tahoe magazine 2012-13

TAHOE magazine 1

M A G A Z I N E W I N T E R 2 0 1 2 - 1 3

The greaT ouTdoorsouTdoors

ExploRE TAhoE ANd ITs BouNdlEss opTIoNs

foR EvERy AGE

final cover with spine saved as separate document

2 WinTEr 2012/2013

TAHOE magazine 3

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Fresh Bar, Fresh Food, Fresh Views...three reasons to head upstreamTry one of our newest, latest cocktails with all fresh ingredients: fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, fresh herbs and more!Enjoy our new menu, daily fresh fish specials and more!On-the-water views of Tahoe!The Fresh Ketch has it all – top to bottom.

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TAHOE magazine 5

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TAHOE magazine 7

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TAHOE magazine 9

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TAHOE magazine 11

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18 Tahoe communities

24 Backcountry huts

28 Rocker revolution

30 The best ski exercises

34 Snowshoeing

44 Recreation map

46 Downhill ski resorts

63 Cross-country ski areas

72 Gear guide

88 Avalanche survival

104 Hidden gems

112 Drinks to warm you up

122 Entertainment & music

130 Calendar of events - North

147 Sled dog races

148 Calendar of events - South

Photo: Keoki FlaggTimy Dutton, a freeskiing champion and nephew of the late Squaw Valley luminary Billy Dutton, flies through the Tahoe skies at Squaw Valley of the Kitchen Wall on the Palisades during a segment in January 2011 for an upcoming Warren Miller Entertainment film featuring Squaw and the Truckee/Tahoe region. Learn more about the photographer at www.gallerykeoki.com

oN ThE covER ...

I N s I d E

sNoWMoBIlING38 IcE sKATING42 locAl AThlETEs80

hIsToRy98 dEssERTs116 locAl MusIc124

TAHOE magazine 15

16 WinTEr 2012/2013

Tahoe pro skiersPro skiers Elyse Saugstad and husband Cody Townsend talk about their love of the sport, pushing to become pro, and the dangers of avalanches.

Tahoe Magazine is a product of the Tahoe Daily Tribune, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza, Sierra Sun and Lake Tahoe Action. All content is copyrighted, November 2012. Tahoe Magazine strives for accuracy and is not responsible if event details change after publication.

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The gear guidesHis and hers guide to what’s out there to make you comfortable this winter and where you can find it.

M A G A Z I N E W I N T E R 2 0 1 2 - 1 3

Take sheLTerBackcountry huts of the Tahoe Basin.

PublishersMichael Gelbman Kimberly Kuntz

editorsTrisha Leonard Kevin MacMillan

contributorsKyler Crouse Axie NavasSimone Grandmain Tim ParsonsSusanne Haala Becky ReganAdam Jensen Dylan SilverMark McLaughlin Sylas WrightColleen Moore

layout & designJessica Brooks Michelle MortonKeigh Cox Jina PadillaJesse Mireles Terri Thomas

contributing PhotograPhersJames CassimusRachid DahnounKeoki FlaggSimone GrandmainDavid KearneyJonah KesselEva KolenkoMichelle Morton

adVertising consultantsPeggy CocoresStacy CollinsMichelle GearyGalya GeorgievaAdele Hoppe

circulationPat Greenlaw Josh Sweigert

Ryan JohnsonSusan KokengeCarolyn O’ConnorNatasha Schue

Kirk PaulsenJen SchmidtDylan SilverJason SmithKrith TatsukawasCody TownsendJoel Wortman Tom Zikas

TAHOE magazine 17

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rive

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18 WinTEr 2012/2013

If you live here long enough, you stop seeing the lake as a region. It’s because all those little communities surrounding the lake — from the 25,000 people in South Lake Tahoe to the 250 in Carnelian Bay — have unique local identities they do not want to lose. This guide will help you understand where you are, as you tour beautiful Lake Tahoe.

InclIne VIllageThis luxury village is home to some of the wealthiest people in the world. When you drive through, take Lakeshore Boulevard to view the large estates that border the lake on its northeast side. Only one mile from the casinos, and 30 miles from Reno and Carson City, Incline Village offers its own mountain in Diamond Peak and a number of winter athletic training hot spots — not to mention exclusive beaches that, even in the winter, afford beautiful views of the lake.

KIngs BeachJust west of Incline Village, Kings Beach sits atop Lake Tahoe. With easy access to Northstar, the casinos and the lake, Kings Beach truly lives up to its name. And it’s only going to get better. With $48 million in improvements scheduled for the downtown corridor, the future of Kings Beach will see easy access for visitors between the shopping areas and recreation areas, all of which serve as the perfect Kings Beach venue for the upcoming 32nd annual SnowFest!

northstarJust north of Kings Beach on Highway 267, halfway between Truckee and the lake, Northstar is a growing resort area that is filled with summertime activities. Best known for its shopping — jewelry, kids clothing, outdoor gear, you name it — its winter terrain park and its family friendly ski trails, Northstar is perfect for an afternoon with the kids. Also home to the $300 million Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe and a multi-million redeveloped base area, Northstar will play host to a number of fun festivals and events year-round.

trucKee The town of Truckee is the gateway to the lake. With a rich history of saloons, gunslingers and other wild west fantasies, it works hard to keep its local charm while playing host to the thousands of guests who stay in our area each year. With nearby Donner State Memorial Park and a downtown shopping area, Truckee can entertain just

about anyone with some time on his or her hands. With a rich downtown shopping corridor and easy access to, among others, Sugar Bowl Ski Resort, Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort and the marvel that is the Donner Summit backcountry, Truckee’s winter playground is at your fingertips.

squaw ValleyHalfway between Truckee and the lake on Highway 89, Squaw Valley is a world-recognized ski resort and home of the 1960 Winter Olympics. It’s also home to a great party to kick off SnowFest! The Tram Car takes visitors up to the top of the mountain to enjoy spectacular views and ice skating. The base area provides shopping and family activities, and plenty of parking. Speaking of Olympics, the mountain is home to some of the world’s best winter athletes, including gold medalist and America’s sweetheart, Julia Mancuso.

alpIne MeadowsJust a couple miles south of Squaw, accessible to and from Squaw via the Squaw/Alpine Express shuttle, Alpine Meadows is a locals’ favorite offering a diverse selection of terrain and a laid back atmosphere. Renowned for optimal spring skiing conditions, guest will be sure to learn a bit about “Cornology” at Alpine — what they call the science of skiing spring snow and one of the reasons Alpine has some of the best spring skiing in the region.

tahoe cItyOn the northwest side of the lake, Tahoe City is a perfect little hamlet for visitors to enjoy the quiet of the lake while having plenty of entertainment options close by. With good restaurants and easy access to businesses and the picturesque walk along Commons Beach, Tahoe City has everything you need. And this is where SnowFest! started, way back in 1981. Celebrate 32 years of this true community event this March in TC, as the locals call it.

hoMewoodOn the West Shore just south of Tahoe City lies Homewood, a small winter ski resort that boasts one of the best lake views in the entire basin. Homewood is one of the most beautiful places to stay, as it is surrounded by old-growth elm and pine trees, and sits just yards from the lake. And if you get a chance, talk to some of the locals — they are the definition of “tight-knit community,” and you might learn a thing or two from them, especially about our curious bear population.

MeeKs BayThis small little neighborhood on the West Shore offers luxurious views of the lake, and great access to nearby state parks. Meeks Bay has its own fire station, one of the few developments other than homes in this classic Tahoe vacation spot.

Tahoe offers everything from upscale accommodationsto smaller areas with a relaxed vibe

c o M M u N I T I E s

TAHOE magazine 19

south laKe tahoe/statelIneThe largest of the communities around Lake Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe — its only city — has a large variety of entertainment options. The area’s biggest casinos bring in the area’s biggest act numbers— from Maroon 5 to Brad Paisley to Los Lobos and the Beach Boys — so if nightlife is what you’re looking for, make a trip to South Lake. Did we mention Heavenly Mountain Resort is there too? South Lake Tahoe has it all.

MeyersJust south of South Lake Tahoe, Meyers is a funky town that is home to many locals. If you’re looking for a trip off the beaten path, try lunch or dinner in Meyers, and come back telling stories about the “real” Tahoe.

KIrKwoodAbout 35 miles from South Lake Tahoe, on a two-lane road that weaves over two mountain passes, lies Kirkwood Mountain Resort. It may be remote, but in this solitary horseshoe canyon, climate and geography conspire to create one of the purest, most authentic, big-mountain ski experiences in North America.

heaVenlyHeavenly Village offers shopping selections, great food and even a cinema for the whole family to enjoy. The world-famous gondola will take you to gorgeous winter views of the lake and the snowshoe hike back to town, should you try it, is perfect for those who are in shape — or want to be.

Zephyr coVeLocated on the southeast short of the lake, Zephyr Cove is a historic area. Businesses nearby offer a slew of fun activities, and Zephyr Cove Resort offers perhaps the best line of snowmobile tours in the region, for people who need a bit more horsepower in their winter fun.

glenBrooKOn the northeast shore of Lake Tahoe, historic Glenbrook epitomizes the idea of rural and lake. Only 150 acres of the town have been developed, leaving homeowners and visitors with undisturbed serenity and unique recreational opportunities.

sand harBorWith a sandy beaches, boat launches, picnic spots and access to world-class biking, hiking and fishing, Sand Harbor is one of the most popular summer spots on the lake. But that doesn’t mean it’s not full of plenty of winter adventures. Be sure to pack your snowshoes or cross-country skis, as you can catch the Flume Trail and the Tahoe Rim Trail nearby, hit the trails down the road from Spooner Lake and explore the backcountry between Lake Tahoe and Carson City.

LakeTahoe

Airport

Sand Harbor

Kirkwood

Meyers

To Markleeville

South Lake Tahoe

Heavenly

Alpine Meadows

Squaw Valley

Northstar

Gardnerville

Hope ValleySierra-at-Tahoe

north

South

West East

20 WinTEr 2012/2013

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More snow. More elbow room. Easy access.The choice is obvious. With the deepest snow in Tahoe and expansive terrain offering everything from untracked powder to corduroy cruisers to top-notch tree skiing and terrain parks, Sugar Bowl is exactly where you want to be.

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TAHOE magazine 21

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Richard Hooste skins up one of the peaks surrounding Lake Tahoe on a splitboard during a winter backpacking

trip in March 2011. Photo: Michelle Morton

Winter is a long stretch for all the warm weather backpackers out there. A snowy trek is tempting, but also scary. Packs are heavy and stakes are higher. There’s another option for those trying to test the winter waters, but not quite ready to hunker down in a snowy tent or igloo. The Sierra Club maintains four huts, sprinkled throughout the northwest Tahoe Basin wilderness, that are available for reservation year-round.

The cabins aren’t fancy, but they do offer sleeping accommodations for about 15 people and free up some tent space in the old pack. Along those lines, the huts also offer warmth with a wood-burning stove, firewood and a feeling of security.

Backpackers must bring everything else. This means food, a water-purification system, sleeping bags, pads, light, avalanche shovels and any other backpacking essentials that usually make the list. Be prepared to shovel out entrances in heavy snowfall, and do pack the camp stove because the cabin stoves aren’t always efficient for cooking.

It is feasible to backpack from hut to hut, but most people choose to stay at one hut for multiple nights, said Sierra Club outings marketing manager John Halal. “I think the best option would be to rent a hut for a few days and kind of have that be your home base,” he said.

Soak in a quiet weekend in snowy solitude or get after some backcountry skiing or snowboarding. There are good riding areas around the huts ranging from beginner-friendly meadows to expert bowls and ridgelines.

No matter what the day may hold, make sure backcountry and avalanche safety come first. In good weather, the huts are all accessible within a day’s hike from the nearest road. They range in distance from 3 to 6 miles from parking, but beware that some of the cabins require more mountaineering skills than others and may not be accessible in bad weather.

Weekdays are easier to come by, provided it’s not a holiday, but reservations should still be made a week ahead of time at a minimum, according to Andy Sexton, who takes reservations for the huts. Sexton said the lodge staff can’t provide directions to huts for liability reasons, so it is up to group leaders to get everyone there safely. Dogs are allowed, but realize that the hut is a shared space and there might be other dogs staying the night, Sexton said.

Peter Grubb HutThe Peter Grubb Hut is our first stop. It is the most accessible hut of the four, sitting three miles north of the Donner Summit stretch of highway. The hut has a main room with a wood-burning stove, tables and a kitchen area. An upstairs sleeping loft accommodates 15.

The hike to Peter Grubb is an 800-foot elevation gain spread over the first two miles and then 250 feet of downhill to the hut. Pay attention along the way because it’s sometimes hard to catch the orange triangles posted on trees that mark the way every 100 to 200 yards. Nearby Round Valley is a good practice spot for beginning skiers and snowboarders. The Sierra Club also suggests Paradise Valley, Basin Peak, Castle Peak and Sand Ridge Lake as good day excursions depending on weather and conditions.

HuTS PROvIDE ANOTHER OvERNIGHTOPTION FOR BACKPACKERS IN WINTER

Take sheLTerR E c R E A T I o N

By BECKy REGANTAHOE MAGAZINE

TAHOE magazine 25TAHOE magazine 25

Above: Skiers enjoy the sunshine outside the Peter Grubb Hut. Photo: Dick Simpson

Below: Ski equipment rests outside the Ludlow Hut on a bluebird day.

Photo: Stewart Logie

— JOHN HALAL SIERRA CLuB

“I THINK THE BEST OPTION

WOuLD BE TO RENT A HuT

FOR A FEW DAyS AND KIND

OF HAvE THAT BE yOuR

HOME BASE.”

Benson HutThis is a tricky one in the winter. Mountaineering skills are a must and the route is treacherous in bad weather, according to the Sierra Club. Six miles south of Donner Pass Road, Benson Hut is perched at 8,300 feet on a steep hill right off the Lincoln-Judah saddle that runs to the north face of Anderson Peak.

It’s a steep climb of 1,200 feet from Lake Mary up to Mount Lincoln to start the Benson trek. The trail then follows an exposed ridgeline for three miles with potential cornices on either side or wind-exposed ice. Avalanches are absolutely a possibility around the hut and along most of the hike in. Believe it or not, this is actually the easy way into Benson.

It’s worth the hike though. The hut has fold-out bunk beds downstairs and is the only hut that sleeps about 12 instead of 15. Along with Bradley Hut, Benson Hut also gives easy access to some of the better and steeper terrain. There is an outhouse about 100 feet west of cabin.

Bradley HutConnecting the 4 miles between Bradley Hut and Benson Hut is the most common option for backpackers who choose to hike hut-to-hut. Bradley is the newest of the huts since it was moved from Five Lakes Basin in Granite Chief Wilderness to Pole Creek in the late 90s.

The hut is stationed two miles north of Squaw Valley and it sits in the upper drainage of Pole Creek. It is equipped with the usual Sierra Club wood-burning stove, tables and kitchen area. The upstairs loft sleeps 12-15 and the two-story outhouse is 40 feet north of the cabin.

The trail to Bradley gradually follows fire road 8 up for about 1,500 feet spread over five miles. “Skiing is possible on the slopes and in the bowls north and west of the hut. Beware of avalanche danger, especially on Silver Peak (south). Good snow can also be found in Deep Creek, the next drainage north,” according to the Sierra Club hut descriptions.

Ludlow HutFarthest south sits Ludlow Hut, nestled six miles in on the West Shore. The hut blends well in the winter and is one of the more difficult to find. The upstairs sleeping loft offers enough wooden floor space to sleep 15. The outhouse is 100 feet southeast of the cabin. It’s a six-mile trek with 1,000 feet of elevation gain along McKinney Creek to Miller Lake to get to Ludlow Hut. There is an alternate return option along General Creek, but the passage is more difficult, according to the Sierra Club.

The Sierra Club suggests day trips to Sourdough Hill and Lost Corner. More beginner-friendly ski areas are the Richardson Lake shore and in Miller Meadow.

Final detailsFor more information on the huts and their history, visit sierraclub.org/outings/lodges/huts. Parking information is provided on each hut’s page.

26 WinTEr 2012/2013

Peter Grubb

Hut

Benson Hut

Bradley Hut

Ludlow Hut

Devils Peak

Lyon Peak

Scott Peak

Mt. Mildred

Steamboat Mountain

Hell HoleReservoir

French MeadowsReservoir

Bunker Hill

Loon Lake

SourdoughHill

Lost Corner Mountain

Squaw Peak

Granite Chief

Twin Peaks

Ward Peak

Ellis Peak

TRUCKEE

TAHOE CITY

Donner Lake

Castle Peak

Basin Peak

Anderson Peak

Mt. Disney Mt. Lincoln

Silver Peak

ClairTappaan

Lodge80

80

89

267

Truc

kee

Rive

r

89

Truckee River

Pacific Crest Trail

Pacific Crest Trail

Pacific Crest Trail

Pacific Crest Trail

89

LAKETAHOE

Sierra Club Huts

The Sierra Club encourages those who use the huts in the winter to join a summer or fall work party to help replenish firewood stocks and keep up hut maintenance. As always in the backcountry, leave the huts clean and minimize impact. The Sierra Club will always accept contributions to help defray maintenance costs.

Reservation rates cost $15 per night per person and the Clair Tappaan Lodge starts accepting reservations after Nov. 5. Reservations can be made by contacting 530-426-3632 or [email protected]. Space can be reserved for multiple nights, but weekends usually fill up by the end of November.

For more information on reservations, availability and similar matters. contact the Hut Reservations Coordinator at Clair Tappaan Lodge, 530-426-3632 or [email protected]. ◆

Two cabin visitors click in for a cross-country

tour around Bradley Hut. The cabin sleeps 12

and has a wood-burning stove and kitchen area.

Photo: Dick Simpson

... FROM PREvIOuS PAGE

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TAHOE magazine 27

28 WinTEr 2012/2013

It’s hard not to notice more people rocking out on the slopes these days. Over the past decade, rocker and reverse camber equipment has steadily taken over the ski and snowboard industry. The new

technology, with its raised tip and tail, has its pros and cons, but without doubt has opened doors for riders of all levels and made the mountain more accessible for the weekend warrior. Rocker is beginner-friendly, park fun and powder-slashing ready.

“If your average skier is skiing powder or chop and they don’t have a bunch of days to burn, this early rise (rocker) is a real equalizer,” Tahoe Sports Ltd. manager Eric Bickert said. “They rip. Are all my skis rocker? No, but they have a place.”

Understanding rocker’s place and recognizing individual riding needs are crucial to finding the right fit. There are an overwhelming number of choices out there. Before we get into the nitty gritty of it all, understand this: rocker or reverse camber means a raised tip and tail in one manner or another.

R e g u l a R c a m b e R o R R e v e R s e ?There is no simple answer to the question that was on most riders’ minds during the past decade. It all depends on individual style and day-to-day conditions.

Since it all began with regular camber, let’s start there. When a regular camber ski or snowboard lies flat, the center arches up and the outside contact points are pushed into the snow. Think of a low rainbow. With pushed down contact points, regular camber generally offers more stability and edge control. This is all good when a rider is looking for consistent landings and reliable stability at high speeds, but more edge also means a tougher learning curve for beginners who are face planting while picking up the basics.

When a ski or board has reverse camber, flip that rainbow upside down. The tip and tail are now raised out of the snow. There are many variations on this of course, but let’s not jump ahead.

RockeRReverse camber ski and snowboard equipment is evolving

with each passing winter season

By BECKy REGAN TAHOE MAGAZINE

Photo: Dylan Silver

A snowboarder hits a rail in Heavenly’s terrain park Wednesday in December 2011. Rocker technology is ideal for boxes and rails with its raised tip and tail.

TAHOE magazine 29

Obviously, raised tip and tail means less edge catch for beginners as they start linking turns. It also provides a loser, skateboard feel on the snow. Not hard to connect that this equals a good time in the park and more float in the powder. “When there’s powder, it allows you to go enjoy yourself because you put less energy in and get more out of it,” Bickert said.

Riders who aren’t into powder or park and already know the basics should probably stick to regular camber. Regular camber was made for those who love cutting hard and fast on fresh corduroy runs. “If it’s a hard pack day, don’t take your rockers out. If it’s a chop or mashed potato, or just plain old knee-deep, that’s when you take the rockers out,” Bickert said.

Strip it down and reverse camber is good for beginners, advanced powder hounds looking for cruise control and riders trying to up style points in the park.

R o c k i n g pa R k p e R f o R m a n c eSince regular camber isn’t as fluid or loose, new tricks are easier to learn on reverse camber, especially on rails and boxes (jibbing) where edges are

the enemy. While reverse definitely has the edge on rails, or lack thereof, an argument can be made that regular camber has better pop. Riders can load up on those pushed-down contact points before launching. Reverse camber combats this with increased carbon stringers and usually a stiffer flex to complement the degree of reverse camber. So hypothetically, riders should be able to get sufficient pop out of either.

Consistent landings, however, are absolutely brought to you by regular camber. While it’s easier to grab an extra rotation on reverse, it’s also easier to wash out on landings. Without that extra edge bite, sometimes skis and boards just keep spinning. It takes skills to truly master the reverse camber landing, but it can be done.

p o w d e R t o t h e R o c k e RConditions are key and rocker was built for the powder. “People can still ski the middle of the ski and not have to go from carve position to back seat survival position in the trees,” Bickert said.

Rocker will certainly save the legs some work in the trees. In the powder, regular camber riders work harder. They must use more leg muscles to keep their weight in the backseat, but some will sacrifice that for the familiar stability. Bottom line, rocker has the advantage in powder and is making trees possible for a larger number of people.

“Now rocker has opened it up for all skill levels and that is a downside because the mountain tracks faster,” Bickert said. “But boo hoo, because on a powder day you go get your lines.”

va R i at i o n sOnce the reverse camber decision is reached, then it’s time to pick the rocker. Each company has its own take on reverse camber, and the best way to find the right fit is to give them a try at a demo shop, but here are the basics.

Most rocker technology is headed to camber underfoot with different degrees of raised tip and tails. This gives the more traditional feel of regular camber, but still allows for more float in the powder and less catch in the park. These are usually pricier but combine the best of both worlds.There is a park rocker, which is mostly flat under foot with kick-ups at the tip and tail. The flat underfoot encourages more solid landings without too much edge on the rail.

There is a beginner rocker, which rises at the tip and tail and the outside edges. Think of a canoe. This is also similar to concave gear, which is popular in park because it means even less edges while jibbing. Again, landings get tricky and turning becomes beyond difficult without edges. This technology is straight beginner or rail junkie.

There is still the straight reverse camber out there that just starts going up from the middle and doesn’t stop, the original snow skateboard. Along those lines, there is extreme rocker gear for heavy powder days that gives rocking chairs a run for their money. Some gear has rocker in the front only and some is just completely flat.

w h e R e ’ s i t a l l g o i n g ? Rocker is here to stay, but before making the leap, definitely hit up a demo shop to figure out if the new technology is for you. There are many rocker choices out there, so do some homework and then talk to someone in a shop who is knowledgeable.

“The bottom line is there is a time and place for everything and rocker is not magic, but it has its place,” Bickert said. “You have to know how to ski, but if you can learn a slightly different technique, rocker is badass.” ◆

“When there’s

poWder, it alloWs

you to go enjoy

yourself because

you put less energy

in and get more

out of it,”

— ERIC BICKERT TAHOE SPORTS LTD.

30 WinTEr 2012/2013

1goble t sq uat

How to do it:1. Stand with your legs about shoulder-width apart, with your toes pointed slightly outward.2. Grab a dumbbell or kettlebell and hold it against your chest. With a kettlebell, hold the handle, but with a dumbbell just hold it vertical by the one end.3. Squat down with the goal of having your elbows, which are pointed downward because you’re cradling the bell, slide past the inside of your knees. Then squeeze your glutes and quads to standing position.

wHy it works:This is an excellent exercise to strengthen the glutes, quads and core, while at the same still increasing hip mobility to help reduce injury. By placing the weight in front of your body, it forces you into proper position which also reduces the risk of squatting.

Best sKI e x e r c I s e s

2s ingle - l eg dead l i f t

How to do it:1. Stand holding a dumbbell thigh high in front of you.2. Place your left or right leg out behind you. Toes can be touching the floor behind you or be lifted completely off the floor to make the lift harder. Keeping your shoul-ders back, core tight and the back straight, bend at the hips and lower the dumbbell toward the floor.3. Lower down to mid-shin level. Keep everything tight with your back rigid (no rounding) and eyes looking forward and explode up through your heels to the start-ing position.

wHy it works:Single-leg exercises are great to help pre-vent muscle imbalances. When one side of the body is stronger than the other it can unconsciously work harder and ease the work from the other side of the body. To balance out your strength gains, the single-leg deadlift is extremely effective.

3

single- leg glute bridge

How to do it:1. Lie on your back on an exercise mat or the floor with bent-knee position with your feet flat on the floor about hip-width. Draw the left knee toward your chest and slide the right foot slightly toward the midline of the body.2. While keeping your core, lift your hips up off the floor. Your right heel is pressing into the floor for added stability. Squeeze the glutes and avoid arching the low back.3. Slowly lower yourself back to the mat. Maintain control using your glutes. Repeat and switch legs.

wHy it works:The single-leg glute bridge not only strengthens the muscles in the glutes, but also helps to tone and strengthen the quadriceps, lower back and abdominal muscles. It can also be performed almost anywhere with no equipment making it a great exercise for road trips.

BY KYLeR CRouSeTahoe MaGazIne

4Ke t t l ebel l sWings

How to do it:1. Stand with feet hip-width apart and place a kettlebell between your feet. hinge at the hips with slightly bent knees to lower your body down to grasp the kettle-bell both arms.2. Initiating an explosive upward move-ment to swing the kettlebell upward, return to a vertical standing position, do not arch your back, and squeeze the glutes. allow the kettlebell to swing until the arms are parallel to the floor.3. Remember that this is not a shoulder exercise, but an exercise to generate explosive force in the hips. Repeat for the desired number of reps.

wHy it works:The kettlebell swing involves the powerful muscles of the hips to generate force and mimics the same athletic hip extension that is so important in many sports. For skiing, the hips help turn and are responsible for jumping and absorbing force.

55

sq uat j um ps

How to do it:1. Stand with your legs about shoulder-width apart, with your feet pointing forward. Bend your legs and lower your body down into a deep squat while keeping your torso upright. Swing your arms back behind you.2. exhale and jump straight up, swinging your arms over your head like you are blocking a ball in volleyball.3. Land gently on the balls of your feet before landing on your heels with your legs bent. Re-peat with no rest for 5-8 consecutive jumps.

wHy it works:Squats jumps involve using your legs and hips to generate force like a compressed spring before jumping straight up in the air. an ef-fective way to increase power and add some fun and variety into your training program is to add plyometrics. Plyometrics work by using the body’s energy like a spring. This strength-ens the tendons and connective tissues that protect the joints.

TAHOE magazine 31

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WhaT eLSe IS TheRe To Do?NOT INTO DOWNHILL SKIING? NOT TO WORRy. HERE ARE FIvE OTHER WINTER OPTIONS TO GET yOu OuTSIDE AND ACTIvE DuRING THE SNOWy SEASON IN TAHOE.

By AxIE NAvASTAHOE MAGAZINE

With more than a dozen alpine skiing resorts in the area, Lake Tahoe has certainly earned its reputation as one of the top downhill destinations in the country. But even though the basin might be known for its steep slopes, killer views and bottomless powder, that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of other winter recreation opportunities available. From ice fishing to dog sledding, we’ve got you covered.

CROSS-COuNTRy SKIINGDownhill’s mellower — and cheaper — cousin, cross-country skiing has become increasingly popular in the past five years. The National Sporting Goods Association reported 2.26 million cross-county skiers nationwide in its 2011 annual sports participation report, up from 1.67 million in 2007. On the South Shore, there’s Camp Richardson’s cross-country and snowshoe center where nordic skiers can enjoy groomed loops near the lake shore. About 35 miles to the south, Kirkwood Mountain Resort boasts 80 kilometers of nordic track, 80 percent of which is for beginners or intermediate skiers. Northstar California Resort on the North Shore takes nordic skiers up either the gondola or Village Express Quad chairlift to reach its 50 kilometers of trails, while neighboring Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area is one of the few nordic centers that allows dogs. To the west near Tahoe City, check out Granlibakken’s miles of ungroomed trails.

SLEDDING AND TuBING Families looking to spend some quality time together should check out the 400 foot banked-turn tubing hill at Hansen’s Resort in downtown South Lake Tahoe near Heavenly Mountain Resort. To the south at Echo Summit on Highway 50, Adventure Mountain Lake Tahoe offers up to 16 groomed sledding hills with varying degrees of slope. Be warned: you need to be prepared to climb since there’s no lift to take you to the top. Boreal Mountain Resort’s Playland offers tubing on the north side of the lake about 10 miles west of Truckee, while the small tubing hill at Taylor Creek Sno-Park just west of Camp Richardson is perfect for small children and beginners. If you want a break from the traditional sledding experience, take a tour with musher Brian Maas of the Wilderness Adventures Dog Sled Tours.

ICE FISHINGThose seeking a peaceful, back-to-nature Tahoe experience need to look no further than Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters. The South Lake Tahoe company offers guided ice fishing expeditions to Caples and Red lakes, but make sure you call in advance to book your trip. Matt Heron Fly Fishing based in Olympic Valley does fly fishing trips on the Truckee and Little Truckee rivers. Not your traditional ice fishing where you huddle around a frozen hole praying for a bite, Tahoe Sport Fishing Co. on the South Shore and Mickey’s Big Mack Lake Tahoe Fishing Charters and Tours takes fishermen and women out on to Lake Tahoe throughout the winter. Charters with both companies can be booked as fishing trips as well as private party events.

ICE SKATINGChances are slim that the basin will have another winter like last season, when cold temperatures and light snowfall combined to make skating on the lakes in the Tahoe area a reality, but there are still plenty of options for skaters looking for some rink time. On the South Shore, there’s the indoor South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena, which offers public skating sessions. Ice skaters can twirl and carve near the base of the Gondola at the neighboring Heavenly Village Ice Rink, while Heavenly Mountain Resort’s sister ski area Northstar California Resort northwest of Kings Beach also boasts an outdoor rink. The Squaw Valley Olympic Ice Pavilion near the West Shore sits at the crest of Squaw Valley’s upper mountain. Skaters board the aerial tram to access the rink that offers sweeping views of the valley and Lake Tahoe.

BACKCOuNTRy EDuCATIONWilderness and avalanche education classes abound in the basin, and not to worry — most of the classes involve more time outside than in the classroom. Mountain Survival, Inc. offers courses from four hours to seven days long, and specializes in teaching outdoor skills and tactics needed around the basin and throughout the Sierra Nevada. If you’re looking to become a Wilderness First Responder or just want to brush up on your outdoor medical know-how, check out the wilderness education courses offered at Lake Tahoe Community College in South Lake Tahoe. For specifics on avalanche safety, Donner Summit Avalanche Seminars based on the north side of the lake offers classes for backcounty recreationists. If safety’s your name and shredding’s your game, head south to the Sierra-at-Tahoe Ski Resort, which teaches skiers and riders backcountry basics. ◆

Nordic Search and Rescue Team crosses Castle valley during National Ski Patrol Avalanche 1 course training. Photo: Keith Tatsukawa

TAHOE magazine 33

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34 WinTEr 2012/2013

This winter at Tahoe, you might want to consider picking up a new sport, and way to exercise, with snowshoeing. There are countless trails around Lake Tahoe for all levels of snowshoers, whether it’s

your first or 100th time strapping on snowshoes. For sales and rentals, there are also seemingly infinite options around the lake.

One option for snowshoe rentals and sales is Alpenglow Sports, located in Tahoe City. Brendan Madigan of Alpenglow recommends snowshoeing to anyone who spends time in the Sierra.

“It’s very user-friendly,” Madigan said. “Equipment lasts for so long — for a small investment you get a huge return in the form of fun and fitness.”

Madigan explained that there are snowshoes for everyone, from beginners to experts, both in male and female versions. For beginners, snowshoes weigh a bit more and have a simpler cleat. For more advanced snowshoeing, there are more aggressive cleats (for gripping snow) and heel risers (for steep terrain). Essentially, the more advanced snowshoer you are, the lighter and more aggressive snowshoe you will have, Madigan explained.

There are a variety of shops around Lake Tahoe that offer snowshoe sales and rentals, as well as some offering various tours and lessons. Alpenglow Sports offers sales and rentals, along with West Shore Sports (in Homewood), Sierra-at-Tahoe Ski Resort on the South Shore of the lake, and plenty, plenty more.

Many of the rental shops and resorts here recommend certain trails along the West Shore for beginners.

“A classic go-to is Paige Meadows, on the backside of Alpine Meadows (near Homewood). It’s a great spot, super pretty, with aspen trees and open fields,” Madigan said.

Rob Weston, owner of West Shore Sports in Homewood, agreed.

“One of my favorite places to go, that I snowshoe myself, is Blackwood Canyon (also near Homewood),” Weston explained. “It’s killer. There are lots of meadows covered in the snow. That whole area is just incredible snowshoeing.”

A little farther south, Weston recommends Sugar Pine State Park for beginners and intermediates, as well as the meadows near Meeks Bay across from the campground.

ExERCISE WHILE HAvING FuN IN THE SIERRA

snowshoe tahoe

TRy SNOWSHOEING THIS WINTER, AND HAvE SOME FuN WHILE GETTING A WORKOuT.

By COLLEEN MOORETAHOE MAGAZINE

Enjoy spectacular views of Lake Tahoe while on shoeshoes this winter.

“IT’S FuN AND EASy. IT’S A GREAT ALTERNATIvE TO SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING.

IF yOu CAN WALK, yOu CAN SNOWSHOE.”

— Rob Weston, West Shore Sports

learn more online There are plenty of locations to snowshoe and plenty of rental companies across the region to get started. South Lake Tahoe: www.tahoesouth.com/Listings/snowshoeingNorth Lake Tahoe/Truckee: www.gotahoenorth.com/winter/outdoors/snowshoeingFor more experienced snowshoers, one go-to place is the Tahoe Rim Trail,

the 165-mile trail that circumnavigates the lake and offers numerous access points from the South, North, West and East shores.

Weston adds a key word of advice, however, if snowshoers happen to come across cross-country-skiing tracks — do not step in them. In general, good spots to snowshoe for beginners are areas that are already packed down, from either previous use, snowmobiles, or even roadways covered in snow.

Much like any other winter activity, having the proper equipment is key to enjoying your time on snowshoes. Hiking boots and layers are two of the most important things to wear when snowshoeing.

“Once you start snowshoeing, it’s like hiking, and you’re going to work up a little bit of internal heat,” Weston said. “You want to dress lightly with layers you can peel off.”

Other important items to bring include water, sunscreen, lip balm, hats and gloves. Also recommended are ski or hiking poles, to help keep your balance, especially if you’re new to the sport.

Also to note, there are several shops and rental centers that offer guided tours throughout the area. West Shore Sports offers a moonlight tour every full moon in January, February and March for $20, with proceeds to benefit the Sierra State Parks.

Another option for tours is Hope Valley outdoors located at the Highway 88/89 intersection about 20 minutes from Tahoe’s South Shore. Hope Valley offers 60 miles of snowshoe trails on a variety of terrain. You can leisurely stroll through beautiful forests or into quiet meadows, or you could climb one of the valley’s 10,000-foot peaks, if you have the energy.

Hope Valley also offers guided tours and Full Moon tours. And be sure to check out the valley’s private guided tours, which are an affordable $60 (by appointment) and are custom-tailored to each group. You can follow a meandering river or visit a pristine meadow, and you’re almost guaranteed to see eagles, osprey, neurons, bobcats and/or other majestic Tahoe wildlife.

Weston explained that unlike other winter sports, such as skiing, snowboarding or even snowmobiling, you don’t have to set aside a whole day to do it. You can simply put on the right clothes, strap on the snowshoes, and head out the door for 20 minutes to a few hours.

“People need to try snowshoeing,” Weston added. “It’s fun and easy. It’s a great alternative to skiing and snowboarding. If you can walk, you can snowshoe.” ◆

TAHOE magazine 35

36 WinTEr 2012/2013

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TAHOE magazine 37

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38 WinTEr 2012/2013

Snowmobiling offers a different level of excitement during winter in Tahoe

By COLLEEN MOORETAHOE MAGAZINE

Spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada abound during a safe and responsible snowmobile ride through Lake Tahoe’s backcountry.

TAHOE magazine 39

While Lake Tahoe is famously known for its skiing and snowboarding, there’s another extreme sport that’s gaining

popularity in the basin.

Snowmobiling in Tahoe offers locals and visitors alike a chance to get outside and explore the area in a different way. There are several companies around the lake that offer tours, rentals and lessons. Whether it’s your first time on a snowmobile, or you’re just looking to get out without buying a sled, there are options for everyone.

One option for snowmobiling is Lake Tahoe Snowmobile Tours, operating atop Brockway Summit in North Lake Tahoe, where owner Dave Ceruti has been snowmobiling for more than 20 years.

“(Snowmobiling) is unlike boating or other activities. Most people have done that stuff,” Ceruti said. “It’s unique because people haven’t done it. It’s not something people do all the

time. They’re pretty jazzed up to go do it, which makes it fun for us.”

His company runs tours twice a day around Mount Watson, Watson Lake and the Brockway Summit area. Tours range from two hours to three or four hours. There are tours available for all levels of riders, and the company’s only stipulation is children must be older than 5 to participate.

“Most of our riders are first-timers,” Ceruti said. “We have written rules and verbal rules. There’s quite a lot (that we go over) before we get going.”

The company operates on U.S. Forest Service land, which means it has to obtain permits to operate. The company also has proper first-aid training, as well as medical snowmobiles and emergency radios. Due to public land rules, the Forest Service allows Ceruti’s staff to access certain areas, while others are off limits.

“A lot of it has to do with if they find certain animals in the area, then they would put that area off limits,” Ceruti explained. “Normally what pops up when an area is off the charts for a season is because they discover foxes or something in that area denning.”

Ceruti added that he considers the areas where Lake Tahoe Snowmobile Tours operates some of the best in Tahoe.

“Mt. Watson is beautiful because of the views. At the top of Mt. Watson, looking down at Lake Tahoe is fantastic. It has a gorgeous view,” he remarked.

Another option for snowmobilers in Lake Tahoe is to stop by Full Throttle Tahoe, in Brockway/Kings Beach. Unlike other snowmobile operators, Full Throttle allows customers to have self-guided tours. With 20 sleds and 35 miles of groomed trail (weather dependent), customers are invited to take out snowmobiles and explore the terrain on their own.

“It’s like a ski trail, all marked out,” explained John Brackett, an employee at Full Throttle. “It’s easy for beginners to have a good time and enjoy themselves, as well as push their limits.”

Full Throttle provides sleds and helmets, as well as guidance on how to operate the sled, but other than that lets the customers have fun.

“We give them a trail map, and four or five trails to choose from,” Brackett said. “Then they get

to go up there and have an adventure, either with themselves or their family. We make sure (customers) know everything they need to be safe.”

He added that employees are just a phone call away, if customers get stuck or need any assistance.

“We hop out there and help them out, and let them keep having a good time,” Brackett said.

Packages start at a half hour for a trial period, and go up from there on the hour. For more experienced riders, Full Throttle offers overnight rentals, allowing riders to take their sleds and a trailer wherever they want, whether it be for back country touring or exploring a different area of Tahoe.

Unlike Lake Tahoe Snowmobile Tours, Full Throttle operates on private land that is leased all winter. This allows the company to groom trails and create a trail network within that private land.

Both companies recommend snowmobiling to anyone who has never tried it and is visiting the Tahoe area. For equipment, Brackett suggested wearing the same clothing you would as if you were going skiing or snowboarding, with waterproof boots and layers.

“You can start off very cold, then work yourself up and get sweaty and want to be able to take off layers,” Brackett said.

On Tahoe’s South Shore, snowmobiling tours also are offered at Zephyr Cove Resort, which offers access to 45 miles of groomed trails where you can glide through towering pine and aspen, breathing in the fresh air and marveling at the amazing scenery. With its expertise and Lake Tahoe’s natural beauty, Zephyr Cove promises an unforgettable tour, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned snowmobile enthusiast.

Ceruti added that one of the most important things to bring snowmobiling is a camera, to document the adventure, as well as take a picture of any wildlife you may encounter. Also, water is a must-have when snowmobiling.

“It’s amazing how much energy you do use,” Ceruti said. “On top of water, bring sunscreen. Just like skiing, you get the shine off of the snow and you can get burnt.” ◆

learn more online There are plenty of locations to ride and rent snowmobiles around the region. South Lake Tahoe: www.tahoesouth.com/Listings/snowmobilingNorth Lake Tahoe/Truckee: www.gotahoenorth.com/winter/outdoors/snowmobiling

IT’S EASy FOR BEGINNERS TO HAvE A GOOD TIME AND ENJOy THEMSELvES, AS WELL AS PuSH THEIR LIMITS.”— John Brackett, Full Throttle Tahoe

“

40 WinTEr 2012/2013

HYATT REGENCY LAKE TAHOERESORT, SPA AND CASINO

Reimagine Lake Tahoe...See firsthand the resort-wide $20 million transformation at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino on your next visit to the lake and enjoy resort amenity savings up to half-off.

Dine lakeside après ski or après work and enjoy all wines-by-the-glass at 50% off, available only at the lakeside Lone Eagle Grille lounge, Sunday-Thursday from 3pm to 6pm.

Reno/Tahoe locals receive 20% off their entire bill at any of our 4 on-site restaurants, including the locals breakfast favorite, Sierra Café as well as 20% off any relaxing Stillwater Spa and Salon service.

Visit laketahoe.hyatt.com for more information or call 775 832 1234.Hyatt. You’re More Than Welcome.

To receive a VIP Locals Card, please present your ID to any member of our staff. Your VIP Locals Card must be presented at the time of transaction to receive discount. Some exclusions apply. Not valid on merchandise. Only valid on spa services and food, excludes alcohol. Not valid on holidays, cannot be combined with other offers. One card per use per visit per day, maximum parties of six. Discount not applicable to hotel stays and cannot be used in conjunction with casino comps. VIP Local Card offer valid through December 17, 2013. Lone Eagle Grille Happy Hour ends May 24, 2013.

TAHOE magazine 159

other unique Tahoe lodging options...truckeeThe Cedar House Sports Hotel10918 Brockway Rd., Truckee, CA530-582-5655cedarhousesporthotel.com

WeSt ShoreSunnyside Resort and Lodge 1850 West Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, CA530-583-7200www.sunnysideresort.com

cryStAL BAyCal-Neva Resort, Spa and Casino2 Stateline Rd., Crystal Bay, NV800-225-6382www.calnevaresort.com

hoPe VALLey Sorenesen’s Resort14255 Highway 88 ,Hope Valley, CA 800-423-9949www.sorensensresort.com

South LAke tAhoeCamp Richardson Historic Resort & Marina1900 Jameson Beach Rd., South Lake Tahoe, CA800-544-1801 www.camprichardson.com

The Fantasy Inn3696 Lake Tahoe Blvd. South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150(530) 541-4200 or 800-367-7736www.fantasyinn.com

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Basecamp hopes to provide a gath-ering place for guests who love the outdoors. It features several com-munity areas and offers family-style meals at a 10-foot reclaimed wood table to encourage guests to meet each other and share their ex-periences at Lake Tahoe. The lobby has beer on tap, a wet bar and, dur-ing the winter, offers a variety of hot chocolate. The hotel also has a weekly GoPro movie night, board games for children and a rooftop hot tub.

Basecamp Hotel is located at 4143 Cedar Avenue in South Lake Ta-hoe, CA. For more information, visit basecamphotel.com or call 530-208-0180. ◆

Great Indoors Rooms feature green grass carpet, birch forest wallpaper, a canvas tent, two wooden benches overlooking a crackling (electric) log fire and glow in the dark stars to light the night. Photo: Eva Kolenko.

42 WinTEr 2012/2013

“Watching the sunset, I said it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen, then the moon rose over the lake,” Cross said.

Christmas Valley’s John Hirschfield was raised in San Francisco and learned to skate as an adult after his boss, Dr. Terrence Orr, rented the South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena for a night for his employees.

“Most of us had never played before,” said Hirschfield, who soon after joined the city recreation hockey league. “I immediately went out and bought gear and took some lessons.”

He ventured outdoors to skate three years ago during the one week when conditions were good. He went a couple of times two years ago, and then came 2011-12.

“We just went nuts with it,” he said.

“What was unusual about last year is we didn’t have wind,” said Chris Proctor, who grew up in Indiana and began playing hockey at age 35. “I have never seen outdoor ice that smooth. Usually there are ripples and uneven surfaces and frozen debris.” Proctor was skeptical when Hirschfield suggested they take their hockey nets, barbecue grill and families to skate at Grass Lake off of Luther Pass. The conditions were perfect and again the day was a winter highlight.

By TIM PARSONSTAHOE MAGAZINE

Photos: David Kearney

Skaters each year hope to experience the thrill of ice underneath a full moon. Last winter, the Tahoe area had great conditions for two separate full moons.

Winter 2011-12 had the best outdoor ice skating conditions the Sierra Nevada has had in at least a decade. South Lake Tahoe resident Gary Cross said he skated nearly “every day for two months. It was the best game in town.”

The formula for a great skate is pretty simple: A long coldsnap and not much snow.

“You don’t want those intermittent warm periods,” said Jan Null, a meteorologist with Golden Gate Weather Services. “Ice forms during the nighttime hours. In the daytime you don’t want to get very far above freezing. You want nice layers to form rather than a significant melt in between so then you get fractured ice and all sorts of stuff like that. You want an extended cold period. That’s probably the biggest thing.”

The lack of snow kept open Tioga Pass, the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park, in the early winter, and Cross had an epic, full moon experience on Tioga Lake 28 days after skating under the full moon at Baron Lake.

I C E S K A T I N GT h E B E s T G A M E I N T o W Nwhile the tahoe winteR of 2011-12 wasn’t the snowiest, it did pRovide foR RaRe extended outdooR ice skating conditions

TAHOE magazine 43

s K a t i n g s A f E T y

If you see any of these signs, you may wish to abandon any further attempt to go on the ice:

• Flowing water near or at the edges of the ice.• Flowing springs under the ice in spring fed ponds and lakes.• Water flows in and/or out of the iced-over water body.• Cracks, breaks or holes.• Ice that appears to have thawed and refrozen.• Abnormal surfaces that you have not seen before.

Gary CroSS SayS• “You are in charge of your own rescue.”• Ice must be at least 2 1/2 inches thick. Measure ice before skating.• Early morning is the best time to skate. Temperatures rise during the day.• Wear a flotation device.• Bring a friend and tell others where you will be.• Carry an ice pick and kayak throw bag with a 50-foot rope.

“It got to the point where we didn’t even want it to snow,” said Hirschfield, who also skis, snowboards and last year took advantage of the conditions to do some human curling.

“I sent my daughter and her friend (in a chair) the whole length of Lilly Lake,” he said. “The kids loved it. ... They don’t like going to the rink that much because they’ve gotten so spoiled outside.”

Outdoor skaters need to take safety precautions. Backcountry ice skating is not advised by the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.

“I know that people do it,” spokeswoman Lisa Herron told the Tahoe Daily Tribune last winter. “We don’t recommend it because it’s very dangerous.”

Cross said ice should be at least 2 1/2 inches thick before it can safely hold a person. He carries an ice pick around his neck and carries a kayak throw bag with a 50-foot rope.

“Just like backcountry skiing, you are in charge of your own rescue,” Cross said. “You definitely want to have rescue equipment. ... You want to go in the morning before 10 a.m. Something that is safe at 6 in the morning is not safe at 2 in the afternoon.”

Cross listed some of the lakes he skated last year: Kirkwood, Baron, Caples, Tioga, Silver, Immigrant, Roundtop, Woods, Fourth of July, Eagle and Lilly.

Bill Martin, chief meteorologist at Oakland’s KTVU-TV, said he skated at a lake near Squaw Valley last New Year’s Eve when the conditions were as good as they were about a decade earlier when he skated at Donner Lake. Both winters were La Niña seasons.

“Typically (La Niña) means more of your storms will be derived from the high latitudes, Canada,” Martin said. “So it’s a higher, colder air mass, especially early in the year. When you have that kind of pattern it sets you up for ridiculously cold nights. There’s very little moisture in the air.”

Martin said to expect a more typical weather pattern this winter.

“You get more wet storms with midlatitude air mass — they are coming off the water,” he said. “The strength of that El Niño is yet to be seen but this year it’s (setting up) to not be an incredibly great pond skating season.”

Regardless, outdoor skaters shouldn’t be shut out this winter.

“If you are willing to travel, there’s always somewhere where the wind blows just right and keeps the snow off of it,” Hirschfield said.

“Two winters ago when we had that huge winter, Cascade Lake wasn’t holding snow and there were hockey games out there until the end of February. So it’s almost always there. Sometimes you have to work for it.” ◆

WINTER

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Indep end enc e L ake

ekaL keerC sitraM

Tr uckee-Tahoe Airport

• Glenshire / D evonshire

• Olympic Height s

• Prosser Lakeview

• Boca

• Sierr a Meadows

• Lahonton

80

To R

eno

To Sierraville

80

Heav enly

To Sorensen’s Resort

Tahoe Meadows

HopeValley

State line

ChristmasValley

North

South

West East

DOWNHILL SKI RESORTSAlpine Meadows 2600 Alpine Meadows Rd. (o� Hwy 89) CA 530-581-8244, www.skialpine.comBoreal 219659 Boreal Ridge Rd., Truckee, CA 530-426-3666, www.borealski.comDiamond Peak 1210 Ski Way, Incline Village, NV 775-832-1177, www.diamondpeak.comDonner Ski Ranch 19320 Donner Pass Rd., Norden, CA 530-581-8244, www.skialpine.comGranlibakken 725 Granlibakken Rd. Tahoe City, CA 877-552-6301, www.granlibakken.comHomewood 5145 West Lake Blvd., Homewood, CA 530-525-2992, www.homewood.comHeavenly 4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA 800-432-8365, www.skiheavenly.com Kirkwood 1501 Kirkwood Meadows Dr. (o� Hwy 88), Kirkwood, CA 530-581-8244, www.kirkwood.com

Mt. Rose 22222 Mount Rose Hwy, Reno, NV, 775-849-0704, www.mtrose.comNorthstar 5001 Northstar Drive (o� Hwy 267) Truckee, CA530-562-2267, www.northstarcalifornia.comSquaw Valley1960 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Village, CA530-583-6955, www.squaw.comSugar Bowl629 Sugar Bowl Road., Norden, CA530-426-900, www.sugarbowl.comSoda Springs10244 Soda Springs Road, Soda Springs, CA530-426-3901, www.sodasprings.comSierra-at-Tahoe1111 Sierra-at-Tahoe Road, Twin Bridges, CA530-659-7453Tahoe Donner11603 Snowpeak Way, Truckee, CA 530-587-9444, www.skitahoedonner.com

CROSS COUNTRY SKI AREASBijou Cross CountryHwy 50 and Al Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA, 530-542-6056Camp Richardson Cross Country Ski Center1900 Jameson Beach Road (o� SR 89), CA 530-541-1801, www.camprichardson.comDonner Memorial State ParkHwy 80 - 3 miles west of Truckee, CAHeavenly’s Mountain Adventure ParkTop of Heavenly Gondola, South Lake Tahoe, CA, 775-586-7000, www.skiheavenly.comHope Valley OutdoorsPickett’s Junction at Hwy 88 & 89, Hope Valley, CA 530-694-2266, www.hopevalleyoutdoors.comKirkwood Nordic Center1501 Kirkwood Meadows Drive (o� Hwy 88), Kirkwood, CA, 209-258-7248, www.kirkwood.comLake Tahoe Winter Sports CenterHwy 50, Meyers, CA 530-577-2970Northstar 5001 Northstar Drive (o� Hwy 267) Truckee, CA530-562-2218, www.northstarcalifornia.comRoyal Gorge9411 Hillside Dr., Soda Springs, CA, 800-500-3871, www.royalgorge.comSugar Pine Point State ParkTahoma, CA 530-525-9528, www.parks.ca.govSorensen’s Resort14255 Hwy 88, Hope Valley, CA, 530-694-2203, www.sorensenresort.comTahoe Cross Country Ski AreaTahoe City, CA. 530-583-5475Tahoe MeadowsNear the Diamond Peak Resort o� Mt. Rose Hwy, Incline Village, NV

46 WinTEr 2012/2013

A l p I N E M E A d o W s

lift houRs: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

W W W . s K I A l p I N E . c o M

AMENITIEs: nine dining options, outdoor sundeck and fire pit, rental center, high performance demo equipment, ski and snow-board school, disabled sports center, retail shop, high-speed internet access. AvERAGE sNoWfAll: 450 inchesTERRAIN pARKs: 6TERRAIN: 100-plus trailsTop ElEvATIoN: 8,637 feetvERTIcAl dRop: 1,802 feetAcREs: 2,400BAsE ElEvATIoN: 6,835 feetchair lifts: 13 lifts including one high-speed detachable six-passen-ger chair; two high-speed express quads; three triple and five double chairs; two surface lifts.

FA S T FA C T S

25%BEGINNING TRAIls

40%INTERMEdIATE TRAIls

35%AdvANcEd TRAIls

13 LiFTs

d o W N h I l l r e s o r T s

aT a gLanceWith seven powder bowls, countless ridgeline adventures, summit-to-base groomed trails, and mountaintop views of Lake Tahoe, Alpine Meadows hosts some of Tahoe’s – and the country’s – finest terrain. Alpine’s reputation for a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere can be experienced both on and off the slopes. Beginner skiers and boarders enjoy gentle groomed slopes just steps from the mountain’s day lodge, while experienced adventurers take advantage of the wide variety of Alpine’s famous natural terrain either through guided tours or specialty clinics or simply by exploring on their own. Full-and half-day ski and snowboard programs invite kids as young as age three (and as young as age five for snowboarders) to have fun on the slopes; and as the official home of Disabled Sports USA, Far West division, Alpine Meadows provides unmatched daily instruction to students with physical and developmental disabilities. With nine mountain dining options, Alpine Meadows offers delicious options which satisfy any appetite; and the Last Chair Bar, located in the day lodge, is a favorite spot to savor après-ski refreshments while sharing the day’s stories from the slopes.

WhaT’s neWLast fall, Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows joined forces, bringing skiers and riders access to 6,000 skiable acres, 43 lifts and more than 270 trails all on one lift ticket or season pass. Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows are proud to announce nearly $24 million in capital improvements for the 2012-13 winter season including the following: Tahoe’s Only Mile-Long Terrain Park: Alpine Meadows and Snow Park Technologies (SPT) will bring Tahoe’s longest terrain park to Alpine Meadows. Improved, More Efficient Snowmaking: New snowmaking upgrades will significantly improve efficiency, making it possible to generate more snow faster – delivering better surface conditions earlier in the season. Burton Adult Learn to Ride (LTR) Center: Alpine is partnering with Burton and their acclaimed Learn to Ride (LTR) program for adults. Redesigned Ticket Office to Improve Guest Experience: The ticket office has been reconfigured, complete with an improved look and streamlined customer experience, providing a centralized place for guest information and products.

Photo: Tom Zikas

TAHOE magazine 47

B o R E A l

aT a gLanceNearly Always the first resort open in the area and open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m, 7 days/week, Boreal routinely provides skiers and riders more access to the mountain than any other resort in the country. Located directly off Interstate-80, Boreal has become a mecca for terrain park enthusiasts, and the 1-2-3 Ride Free program gives beginners a reason to keep coming back for more.

WhaT’s neWWoodward Tahoe, the newest addition to the renowned Camp Woodward family, opened for business in June 2012 and has helped transform Boreal into a year-round destination for action sports enthusiasts. Woodward Tahoe offers week-long camps throughout the summer for snowboard, ski, skate, BMX, cheer/tumble and digital media, as well as public day sessions each year from August thru April. The 33,000 square foot Woodward Tahoe ‘Bunker’ includes launch ramps, foam pits, trampolines, full-sized spring floor, concrete skate park, digital media lab and much, much more. Woodward Tahoe’s outdoor campus, which will remain open each year until the snow falls, includes several dirt tracks and jumps for bikers as well as an additional skate park and mini-ramp. Learn more at www.woodwardtahoe.com. Along with the opening of Woodward Tahoe, Boreal’s lodge recently received a facelift including a new paint job, new carpeting and a renovated patio area for you to enjoy the Tahoe sunshine over lunch.


W W W . B o R E A l s K I . c o M

AvERAGE sNoWfAll: 400 inchessNoWMAKING: 75 to 80%terrain coverage Top ElEvATIoN: 7,700 feetvERTIcAl RIsE: 500 feetRIdEABlE AcREs: 380loNGEsT RuN: 1 mileTERRAIN: 41 trails

TuBINGBAsE ElEvATIoN: 7,200 feetlIfTs: 3 quads, 3 triples, 1 double, 2 moving carpets, 1 moving carpet at tube parkchairs, 6 surface lifts, 4 magic carpets

FA S T FA C T S

30%BEGINNING TRAIls


15%AdvANcEd TRAIls

11 LiFTs

Photo: Ben Birk

48 WinTEr 2012/2013

d I A M o N d p E A K


W W W . d I A M o N d p E A K . c o M

sEAsoN: december to aprilAMENITIEs: shuttle serviceTERRAIN pARK: located on spillway; family-friendly terrain features on penguinsNoWMAKING: 75% of developed terrainTop ElEvATIoN: 8,540 feetvERTIcAl dRop: 1,840 feetRIdEABlE AcREs: 655loNGEsT RuN: 2.5 milesTERRAIN: 30 runs, open glades, tree skiingBAsE ElEvATIoN: 6,700 feet

FA S T FA C T S

18%BEGINNING TRAIls


36%AdvANcEd TRAIls

6 LiFTs

aT a gLanceDiamond Peak Ski Resort is recognized for its incredible lake views, perfectly groomed runs, family-friendly atmosphere and its exceptional value. Diamond Peak has 30 runs spread over 655 acres of terrain with a peak elevation of 8,540 feet and 1,840 feet of vertical drop. Now in its 46th season, Diamond Peak offers a newly renovated $4 million Base Lodge, a thriving Child Ski Center, new and exciting events, great ski and snowboard school packages, and a variety of options to customize your day at the resort.

WhaT’s neWDiamond Peak has made several on-mountain improvements that will benefit every type of skier and rider, from kids and beginners to seasoned experts. First and foremost, snowmaking capacity has been increased by 20%, allowing the resort to take greater advantage of optimal temperature windows and provide an incredible snow surface for skiers and riders regardless of what Mother Nature decides to do. In addition to snowmaking improvements, glading has been completed in the trees off of Crystal Ridge providing an improved tree skiing and riding experience to go along with exceptional groomers and the incredible views of Lake Tahoe. This season will also feature the debut of Pete’s Playground, a children’s specific off-piste zone that will include rollers and terrain features to help children develop off-piste skiing and riding skills in a safe, fun environment.

Photo: Tom Zikas

TAHOE magazine 49

h E Av E N l y

lift houRs: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends and holidays

W W W . s K I h E A v E N l y . c o M

AMENITIEs: ski and ride schools,five rental and two repair shops, nine on-mountain restaurants, four lodges.TERRAIN pARK: 4Top ElEvATIoN: 10,067 feetvERTIcAl dRop: 3,500 feetAcREs: 4,800BAsE ElEvATIoN: 6,540 feetlIfTs: 1 eight-passenger gondola, 1 aerial tramway, 2 high-speed six-passenger chairs, 7 high-speed quads, 5 triple chairs, 3 double chairs, 6 surface lifts, 4 magic carpets

FA S T FA C T S

20%BEGINNING TRAIls


35%AdvANcEd TRAIls

29 LiFTs

aT a gLanceUnbuckle at Tamarack, North America’s number one après ski party, is back and bigger than ever with seven opportunities per week to perfect those dance moves. Featuring half-priced drinks, a live DJ, dancing and the lovely Heavenly Angels, the party takes place at Tamarack Lodge at the top of the Heavenly Gondola from 3:30-5:30 p.m. every night. When you come to Heavenly, you better plan to go “all-in”…because Heavenly is for those who are up for first chair and are still going strong after last call. At Heavenly, you play hard and sleep when you get home.

WhaT’s neWHeavenly has re-imagined both the menu and experience at Gunbarrel Grill inside Lakeview Lodge, creating the ultimate on-mountain guy’s hangout or ‘man cave.’ Flat screen televisions will dot the landscape while ‘friendly’ waitresses provide table service that features made-to-order gourmet burgers and a ridiculously huge selection of well-priced microbrews. After a four-year hiatus, the halfpipe will return to Heavenly. Located in High Roller Terrain Park, Lake Tahoe will be an ideal backdrop for this 18-foot-high, 500-foot-long, competition-quality pipe with a 56-foot-wide transition.The free-wheeling days of 70s Hot Dogging returns to the famous moguls of Gunbarrel, as the resort hosts the U.S. Freestyle Championships from March 29-31, 2013. The nation’s most accomplished freestyle skiers will showcase their talents, as they prepare for the 2014 Olympics in Sochi. Also featuring the aerial competition, this will be the rockin’-est competition of the season, highlighted by fireworks and a live concert.

Photo: Corey Rich

50 WinTEr 2012/2013

AMENITIEs: children’s center, burton learn-to-Ride center, west shore café & inn, famous barbecue, rental/demo and repair centers, adult lift tickets from $44.TERRAIN pARKs: 2Top ElEvATIoN: 7,880 feetvERTIcAl dRop: 1,260 feetAcREs: 1,260BAsE ElEvATIoN: 6,230 feetchAIR lIfTs: 1 high-speed quad, 2 triple chairs, 1 double chair, 4 surface lifts

FA S T FA C T S

15%BEGINNING TRAIls


35%AdvANcEd TRAIls

8 LiFTs

aT a gLanceKnown as Tahoe’s most beautiful resort, Homewood Mountain Resort offers incomparable views of Lake Tahoe from each of its gladed runs, groomed slopes and powder bowls. Renowned as a family-focused mountain at the west shore of Lake Tahoe, Homewood’s daily children’s programs, renowned ski and snowboard school and new Burton Learn-to-Ride Center offer a friendly environment for learning to ski and snowboard. Just steps from the slopes, Homewood’s West Shore Café & Inn offers visitors one of the region’s best lakefront locations for lunch, après-ski fun, dinner and lodging.

WhaT’s neWHomewood will offer online adult lift tickets from $44. Known for offering “Tahoe’s most beautiful price”, the lakefront mountain offers guaranteed ticket savings every day, including holidays, at SkiHomewood.com. Additionally, the “Homewood Guarantee” ensures that all chair lifts will operate every day throughout the 2012-2013 season, weather and conditions permitting – offering favorite chair lifts including Quail and Ellis triple chairs and the Old Homewood Express Quad – which invite guests to ski and ride Homewood’s powder bowls, gladed steeps, and signature groomed trail; all which tout incomparable views of Lake Tahoe. Homewood’s Burton Learn to Ride Center for adults uses proven teaching methods and innovative Burton beginner equipment with students ages 13+. Each Burton Learn to Ride package includes instruction featuring Burton’s tried-and-true methodology, a beginner lift ticket, and Burton equipment. The ‘Homewood Guarantee’ ensures that each student will feel snowboard-proficient by the third lesson – or the fourth lesson is free.

FA S T FA C T S

h o M E W o o d

Photo: Robyn Scarton


W W W . s K I h o M E W o o d . c o M

TAHOE magazine 51

K I R K W o o d


W W W . K I R K W o o d . c o M

AMENITIEs: four terrain parks, learn-to-ski/ride center, two rental shops, on-mountain restaurants, child care: ages 2-6AvERAGE sNoWfAll: 600 inchessNoWMAKING: top-to-bottomon four runs Top ElEvATIoN: 9,800 feetTRAIls: 65RIdEABlE AcREs: 2,300loNGEsT RuN: 2.5 mileBAsE ElEvATIoN: 7,800 feetlIfTs: 1 high-speed quads, 1 fixed quad, 6 triple chairs, 1 double chair, 3 surface lifts2 magic carpets

FA S T FA C T S

15%BEGINNING TRAIls


20%AdvANcEd TRAIls

15%ExpERT TRAIls

14 LiFTs

aT a gLanceKirkwood Mountain Resort will celebrate its 40th Anniversary in 2012-13 ski and snowboard season and its first season as part of the Vail Resorts portfolio. Since 1972, the 2,300 acres of Kirkwood have provided some of North America’s fiercest inbounds terrain that will challenge expert skiers from first chair to last. The solitary horseshoe canyon in which Kirkwood resides is one of the purest, most authentic, big-mountain ski experiences in America, and with an average annual snowfall of more than 600 inches, there are sure to be plenty of deep powder days.

WhaT’s neWAs the newest addition to Vail Resorts, Kirkwood is easing into the portfolio in order to preserve the unique feel that makes it the mecca of thrill-seeking skiers and riders. Comfort bars will be installed on every lift at Kirkwood, making it the only resort in the state of California, along with Heavenly and Northstar, to take this precaution. Vail Resorts’ award-winning EpicMix technology will be integrated at Kirkwood this season, so those days of racking up vertical at Kirkwood and bragging about it to disbelieving friends will now be backed up by cold hard stats. A revolutionary technological advancement for the ski industry, EpicMix automatically captures and uploads all mountain activity to an online application or social media. Kirkwood will play host to the lone US stop for the new Swatch Freeride World Tour by The North Face, which combines the Freeride World Tour, the Freeskiing World Tour and The North Face Masters of Snowboarding to create one unified global championship series. The new six-stop world tour will hit Kirkwood on Feb. 27-March 3, 2013.

Photo: Rachid Dahnoun

52 WinTEr 2012/2013

M T. R o s E

lift houRs: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.(blazing zephyR: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

W W W . M T R o s E . c o M

AvERAGE sNoWfAll: 400 inchessNoWMAKING: 28% coverage top to bottomTop ElEvATIoN: 9,700 feetvERTIcAl dRop: 1,800 feetAcREs: 1,200loNGEsT RuN: 2.5 milesTRAIls: 60+BAsE ElEvATIoN: 7,900 feetlIfTs: 2 six-pack, high speed detachable chairs, 2 quad chairs (fixed grip), 2 triple chairs (fixed grip), 2 surface lifts

FA S T FA C T S

20%BEGINNING TRAIls


40%AdvANcEd TRAIls

10%ExpERT TRAIls

8 LiFTs

aT a gLanceMt. Rose is Lake Tahoe’s closest skiing to Reno, located only 25 minutes away from Reno and 15 minutes from Lake Tahoe. The mountain boasts more than 1,200 acres of terrain and 60+ trails to suit any type of skier or snowboarder. Two 6-passenger high speed chairlifts get you to the peak of the mountain (elevation 9,700’) in 3.5 minutes with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and Nevada awaiting you at the top. Mt. Rose is the closest resort to the Reno/Tahoe Intl. Airport and just 25 minutes from Reno’s 17,000 rooms. Mt. Rose is the perfect choice for the first and last day of your Lake Tahoe vacation.

WhaT’s neWMt. Rose Online Specials for the Coming 2012-13 Season: Online-only daily specials include Bonus Mondays ($49 lift tickets), Two ‘fer Tuesdays (2 lift tickets for the price of 1), and Ladies Day Thursdays – a $29 lift ticket for ladies with specialized clinics available as an add-on to online purchases. Online specials begin after Jan. 7, 2013. Other discount options available at the resort include: Family Packs: 2 adult lift tickets and 2 lift tickets for ages 17 & under for only $148 (valid every day ofthe season available online and at the resort). $49 midweek tickets for college students. Must have current ID, non-holiday. $39 discounted lift tickets for Department of Defense active personnel. Purchase at Mt. Rose Guest Services, not valid for friends or family members.

Photo: Scott Sady

TAHOE magazine 53

N o R T h s TA R

lift houRs: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m

W W W . N o R T h s T A R c A l I f o R N I A . c o M

sEAsoN: mid-november to mid-aprilTERRAIN pARKs: 7sNoWMAKING: 50% coverageTop ElEvATIoN: 8,610 feetvERTIcAl dRop: 2,280 feetMId-MTN ElEv: 6,800 feetRIdEABlE AcREs: 2,904BAsE ElEvATIoN: 6,540 feetsupERpIpEhAlfpIpElIfTs: 1 gondola, 1 six-pack express, 6 quad express chairs, 2 triple chairs, 1 double chair, 2 tow/surface lifts, 5 magic carpets chairs, 6 surface lifts, 4 magic carpets

FA S T FA C T S

20%BEGINNING TRAIls


35%AdvANcEd TRAIls

18 LiFTs

aT a gLanceIn the Village at Northstar, Tavern 6,330’ will debut featuring an American grill inspired by California farm fresh ingredients and a cozy, tavern-esque atmosphere suitable for the whole family. Accompanying a stellar wine list will be a variety of micro brews and signature cocktails served at the inside bar, as well as outside at the Rock Bar on the patio. With indoor and outdoor seating for up to 200, s’more making around the fire pits on the patio and a slopeside location next to Village Run, the Tavern is sure to become an après ski favorite.

WhaT’s neWHeading into Northstar’s 40th anniversary season, skiers and riders will have unprecedented access to Sawtooth Ridge by snow cat and guided backcountry tours. Northstar will introduce EpicMix Racing, giving resort guests the opportunity to see how they stack up against Lindsey Vonn, the best American ski racer of all time. Kids learning to snowboard will experience the new Burton Riglet Park complete with learning progressions and equipment specifically designed to help them improve. New glade skiing on The Backside of the mountain and sweeping views and incredible food offered at the Zephyr Lodge will make skiers and riders feel like they’re at an entirely new mountain. And, in celebration of Northstar’s 40th anniversary, on December 22 guests are invited to the resort’s 40th Birthday Bash hosted by team rider, Shaun White.

Photo: Corey Rich

54 WinTEr 2012/2013

s I E R R A - AT- TA h o E

FA S T FA C T S

25%BEGINNING TRAIls


25%AdvANcEd TRAIls

14 LiFTs

aT a gLanceSierra-at-Tahoe Resort boasts 2,000 acres and 2,212 vertical feet of dynamic terrain with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe from the summit and one of the deepest snowpacks in the region. Access to expert off-piste terrain in Huckleberry Canyon, incredible tree runs, a commitment to consistent, quality grooming and excellent beginner programs like the world’s only Burton Star Wars Experience and a $39 beginner package, make Sierra Resort a favorite Northern California resort. Easy to get to and always welcoming, Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort is known as the “locals spot” – a bastion of the authentic California ski experience.

WhaT’s neWSierra-at-Tahoe Resort is excited to offer new additions for the 2012-13 season that are sure to enhance guests’ on-mountain experience. The Force is strong at Sierra Resort for Younglings and Padawans in Yoda’s Riglet Park. The world’s only Burton Star Wars Experience uses the beloved intergalactic saga to help children ages three to six make their first snowboard turns using Burton’s innovative Riglet Reel Technology. Experts can enjoy new backcountry cat tours that take expert skiers and riders straight to the edge of Huckleberry Canyon, giving backcountry enthusiasts the option to by-pass the hike and save energy for those deep powder turns. Sierra Passholders also get the added value and the option of riding free at multiple mountains around the country. Ski free at Mountain High, California, Stevens Pass, Washington, or Monarch Mountain in Southern Colorado. Your powder playground awaits. See you on the mountain.

lift houRs: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends and peak peRiods

W W W . s I E R R A A T T A h o E . c o M

AMENITIEs: ski and snowboard school, on-mountain cafeterias, mountain sports shop and equipment rentals, child care: 8 months to 5 yearsTop ElEvATIoN: 8,852 feetvERTIcAl RIsE: 2,212 feetAcREs: 2,000AvERAGE sNoWfAll: 480 inchesloNGEsT RuN: 2.5 milesTERRAIN: 46 slopes and trailsTERRAIN pARKs: 5 ski and snowboardsupERpIpE: nationally Ranked superpipeBAsE ElEvATIoN: 6,640 feetlIfTs: 3 express family-friendly quad chairlifts,1 triple lift, 5 double lifts, 4 magic carpet children’s surface lifts, 1 tubing surface tow

Phot

o: K

yle M

cCoy

TAHOE magazine 55

lift houRs: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m

W W W . s o d A s p R I N G s . c o M

KIds x pARK: new for skiing and snowboarding. great for kids that like bumps and little jumps.TuBING fluMEs: take the little dipper and keep the little children smiling from ear to ear. but for the thrill-seekers, the tube express will knock your snowboots off. it’s a kick for any age.lIfTs: 2 ski, 2 tubing tows

FA S T FA C T S

30%BEGINNING TRAIls


20%AdvANcEd TRAIls

4 LiFTs

aT a gLanceSoda Springs is located just off Interstate-80 at the Soda Springs exit atop Donner Summit. The welcoming small resort spirit and relaxed atmosphere is perfect for families. In fact, Soda Springs offers Planet Kids, a dedicated snow-play area designed with children ages 8 and under in mind. Access to Planet Kids includes tubing, beginner skiing/riding, tube carousels, snow volcanoes and more. Catch the free sleigh ride over to Planet Kids from the base lodge.

WhaT’s neWBe on the lookout for new expanded terrain to the right of Crystal Bowl during the 2012/13 season. Soda Springs also recently expanded its Tube Town tubing area to nearly double its size. Tubing is included with every lift ticket purchased, so you can enjoy a day on the slopes plus slide down one of Soda’s many groomed tubing lanes.

s o d A s p R I N G s

Photo: Studio KyK

56 WinTEr 2012/2013

Top ElEvATIoN: 9,050 feetvERTIcAl dRop: 2,850 feetAcREs: 3,600TRAIls: 170+

BoWls: 16TERRAIN pARKs: 3AvERAGE sNoWfAll: 450 inchesloNGEsT RuN: 3.2 milesuphIll cApAcITy: 49,000 people/hourBAsE ElEvATIoN: 6,200 feetlIfTs: arial tram: 1 funitel: 1 express 6-pacs: 5 express Quads: 3fixed-grip Quad: 1 triple chairs: 9double chairs: 4 conveyor lifts: 5magic carpets: 2 telecord: 1

s Q u AW vA l l E y


W W W . s Q u A W . c o M

25%BEGINNING TRAIls


30%AdvANcEd TRAIls

30 LiFTs

AMENITIEs: scenic aerial tram rides, 1960 olympic museum, indoor climbing wall, snowshoeing, night skiingpIpEs: 2TABlETops: 12+

RAIls/BoxEs: 30+

FA S T FA C T S

aT a gLanceKnown for legendary skiing and gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley is one of the jewels of the region. For locals and visitors alike, it’s the place to race to on a powder day, and the place to relax with family and friends at lively bars and restaurants or cozy firepits in the base village and enjoy all the Sierra has to offer.

WhaT’s neWSquaw Valley and Alpine Meadows are investing nearly $24 million in capital improvements for the 2012-13 winter season. New on-mountain projects include top to bottom snowmaking improvements, Big Blue Express, a new high-speed, six-passenger chairlift and a revamped High Camp beginner area. At the base of the mountain, Squaw’s completely redesigned Olympic Plaza Bar will pay tribute to the resort’s Olympic heritage with new rustic chic lodge furniture and all new signature menu items. Following last year’s addition of new North Face, Salomon and Oakley concept stores – the resort’s base village is adding two new specialty sport shots – Parallel Sports and The Ledge board shop. This year also marks year two of the Squaw and Alpine Meadows’ partnership with Snow Park Technologies (SPT) to offer the highest quality parks at both resorts, including Tahoe’s only mile-long terrain park at Alpine Meadows.

Photo: Hank de vre

TAHOE magazine 57

Top ElEvATIoN: 8,383 feetvERTIcAl dRop: 1,500 feetpEAKs: 4AcREs: 1,500TRAIls: 84AvERAGE sNoWfAll: 500 inchesloNGEsT RuN: 3+ milesGRooMING: 500 acressNoWMAKING: 375 acresBAsE ElEvATIoN: 6,883 feetfAMIly pARK: nob hill sTEEpEsT RuN: the palisadesBEsT KEpT sEcRET: strawberry fieldsTERRAIN pARK: JudahlIfTs: 5 high-speed express Quads2 fixed grip Quads 3 fixed grip doubles1 gondola 1 surface lift

s u G A R B o W l

lift houRs: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays

W W W . s u G A R B o W l . c o M

FA S T FA C T S

17%BEGINNING TRAIls


38%AdvANcEd TRAIls

12 LiFTs

aT a gLanceSugar Bowl Resort, perched high atop majestic Donner Summit, has been serving up some of the finest skiing and riding in the region since 1939. With 4 peaks, 13 lifts, 102 trails, 3 parks, 1,500 skiable acres and endless backcountry beyond the ropes, Sugar Bowl boasts vast & varied terrain that gets buried under the most annual snowfall (500”) in North Lake Tahoe. Convenient access, complete with a scenic drive up Old Highway 40 and hundreds of free slopeside parking spots at the base, makes Sugar Bowl one of the more user-friendly resorts in all of Tahoe. And value-driven programs like CORE Rewards and General Admission deliver big savings.

WhaT’s neWComplementing an impressive downhill operation, Sugar Bowl expands its operations this season to include Royal Gorge Cross Country, the iconic XC resort with over 200km of groomed trails on nearly 6,000 acres of pristine land atop Donner Summit. Skiers & riders can now enjoy both downhill and crosscountry skiing on one convenient pass. And when you visit the Sugarbowl.com website to find further information, you’ll be pleased to see a new and improved website in its entirety, including improved navigation, more comprehensive snow reporting and “Send It”, a user-generated trail map where skiers and riders can post photos and videos on exact locations of the mountain. Finally, Sugar Bowl has launched Summit Crossing, 25 ski-in/ski-out homesites at the base of the mountain, featuring front door access to Royal Gorge’s extensive network of cross country trails. Visit Sugarbowl.com for further information.

Photo: Grant Barta

58 WinTEr 2012/2013

aT a gLanceGranlibakken features an intimate ski hill, perfect for beginning through intermediate skiers and snowboarders. It’s a place to avoid the crowds, while enjoying a day of skiing right out your back door. A rental shop, ski school, warming hut and Snack Bar are also on the premises. Ski School, ski hill and snack bar are open Friday through Sunday, Christmas/New Years and mid-February holidays. The rental shop, snow play area and warming hut are open daily all season. Granlibakken offers beginner ski and snowboard lessons priced from $65.

Guests have easy access to popular cross-country trailheads which provide miles of un-groomed Lake Tahoe skiing and snowshoes terrain. For the kids or young at heart, Granlibakken has a machine groomed snow play area. Cost is $12 per person for saucer rental and use of the snow play area all day (no tubes or toboggans are allowed). $45 adult lift tickets, $28 for children 4-12 years old. Ski packages with lodging, full hot breakfast and choice of eight ski resorts start at $145/person. Granlibakken is located in a 74-acre picturesque mountain valley only minutes from Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City.

WhaT’s neWThe Treetop Adventure Park is new this year. Open Friday/Saturday and Holidays. Open mid-week by reservation for groups of ten or more. Park available for 4 year olds and up. Each park session is 2.5 hours.lift houRs: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. fRi - sun

W W W . G R A N l I B A K K E N . c o M

AMENITIEs: ski school, rental shop, snowplay area, snack bar, warming hutsAucER/slEd hIll: 50 feetTop ElEvATIoN: 6,570 feetvERTIcAl dRop: 240 feetAcREs: 10BAsE ElEvATIoN: 6,330 feetlIfTs: 2 surface lifts

FA S T FA C T S

15%BEGINNING TRAIls


35%AdvANcEd TRAIls

2 LiFTs

FA S T FA C T S

G R A N l I B A K K E N

Photo: Granlibakken

TAHOE magazine 59

TA h o E d o N N E R


W W W . T A h o E d o N N E R . c o M

AMENITIEs: downhill sports shop, open daily 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., ski school, lodgeAcREs:14 600 incheslIfTs: 1 quad chair, 1 double chair, 3 conveyor lifts

FA S T FA C T S

40%BEGINNING TRAIls


5 LiFTs

aT a gLanceThe place for family fun and learning, Tahoe Donner Ski Area is committed to being “The best place to begin.” We offer a variety of services for families including ski instruction for children as young as 3 years old, interchangeable lift tickets for parents with non-skiing children, retail outlets, and a kid-friendly menu in the cafeteria. Wide-open bowls, uncrowded slopes, great beginner terrain, excellent grooming, and a friendly, courteous staff await you. Our size allows us to deliver that personal touch that the larger ski areas can’t always provide.

WhaT’s neWThis year we have great family events including a torchlight parade, 200 foot banana split extravaganza, downhill dummy and rail jam. We are also participating in Learn to Ski and Snowboard Week. Special offers include parent’s day every Tuesday (excluding holiday periods). Bring your kids (under 13 years old) to Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area for a day of skiing and get an all-day adult lift ticket free for yourself! Make reservations today for one of our all-day ski school lessons for ages 4-12, including lunch for only $119. We have made several capital improvements this summer including adding a new parking lot to give our guests additional parking options. We have made improvements to the Snowbird lift loading area to help beginner skiers and riders load the lift properly. We also purchased a new snow groomer to continue to offer some of the best groomed terrain in the region. Finally, we purchased new furniture and painted the lodge.

Photo: Keri Oberly

60 WinTEr 2012/2013

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TAHOE magazine 61

SKI/RIDE FOR ONLY $54/DAY WITH THE 3-PAK*. PRICES INCREASE AFTER DECEMBER 14, BUY TODAY!

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62 WinTEr 2012/2013

www.inclinerecreation.com

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775.832.1300CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY

• group and aqua fi tness classes

• cardiovascular and strength workout room

• massage by appointment

• indoor aquatic center• gymnasium• holiday youth, family &

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TAHOE magazine 63

Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center

W H AT ’ S N E WOpening day this year is slated for Thursday, November 22 – Thanksgiving Day, Conditions Permitting, for the Truckee-located cross country ski center that sees, on average, roughly 360 inches of snowfall per year. Looking for a new experience this year and are fairly new to cross country skiing? How about Tahoe Donner’s discounted Learn-to-Ski or Skate Package, which is is perfect for people new to the sport, but who want to have fun right away. The package includes a 90-minute group lesson, all-day rental, and trail pass, with 10 a.m. and noon group lesson times costing $49, and 1:30 p.m. lesson time costs at $42. Oh, and don’t forget to have fun slipping and sliding at Tahoe Donner’s Snowplay Area, where families can experience the resort’s exhilarating tubing runs or grab one a sled and carve your own path. Anticipated opening date this year is Friday, Dec. 14, conditions permitting.

AT A G L A N C ESki through the pines and aspens, climb peaks and gentle rolling hills, or glide along the meadows of Euer Valley. Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center is a premier cross country ski and snowshoe facility with over 100 kilometers of trails groomed daily for diagonal striding, skate skiing and snowshoeing. With a wide variety of terrain, there is something for everyone! Throughout the season we offer night skiing, clinics, lessons and special events. Come join us! “The skiing is out there…” Daily hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Season Pass Early Ski starts at 7 a.m., Monday through Friday. Call 530-587-9484 for more information.

LEARN MORE: www.tahoedonner.com

Photo: Tahoe Donner Association

c R o s s c o u N T R y r e s o r T s

64 WinTEr 2012/2013

Kirkwood Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Center

AT A G L A N C EEighty kilometers of groomed trails at 7,800 feet offer the most spectacular scenery and exciting terrain in the west. Located 1/4 mile east of Kirkwood on Hwy 88 (next to the Kirkwood Inn) and nestled in a beautiful Alpine Valley, diverse terrain offers excellent skiing for all abilities. Bring four-legged friends along too — dogs are allowed on two trails, the High Trail located behind the Kirkwood Inn and the Outer Loop on the meadow. Sip on hot chocolate beside the wood-burning stove in the day lodge or warm up in one of three trailside warming huts, then finish the perfect day with a scrumptious meal at the historic Kirkwood Inn.

W H AT ’ S N E WThis season a new grooming machine has been added to the Kirkwood fleet. This means multiple trail systems can be groomed at one time and the Schneider Trail system can be groomed earlier in the season and more consistently. Many trails feature interpretive signs providing for a more enlightening and meaningful visit. The “Kiddy Kilometer” is sure to keep the youngest skiers engaged — this one kilometer loop lined with life-size animal cut outs and flip up signs.

LEARN MORE: www.kirkwood.com

Photo: Rachid Dahnoun

TAHOE magazine 65

Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort

W H AT ’ S N E WThere’s a new day rising at Royal Gorge Cross Country Resort this season, as Sugar Bowl Resort takes over resort operations at this iconic destination atop majestic Donner Summit. With $500,000 of capital improvement projects mobilized, cross country skiers, skaters and snowshoers will enjoy a renovated Summit Station lodge, a new grooming fleet delivering improved trail conditions, enhanced wayfinding signage across the resort, a new website featuring up-to-the-minute trail and conditions reporting and much more. Skiers will also enjoy dual-resort combo passes, offering downhill access to Sugar Bowl’s expansive 1,500 acres (and the most snow in Tahoe) and XC skiing at America’s largest cross country resort, boasting more than 200km of trails on 6,000 acres of pristine land atop Donner Summit. Interconnect trails between the two resorts will also be greatly enhanced, allowing for beginner-friendly access from the Sugar Bowl Village to the Van Norden Meadow. A full-service resort, Royal Gorge offers rentals, instruction, trail passes and more. Look for this iconic resort to back on the destination map in no time at all.

AT A G L A N C ERoyal Gorge Cross Country Resort is America’s largest cross country operation, boasting more than 200km of trails on 6,000 acres of pristine land atop majestic Donner Summit. The Summit Station acts as XC HQ, offering rentals, lessons, trail passes, food & drink and more. The views are spectacular, with wide open vistas across high-alpine meadows, and breathtaking shots into the Royal Gorge and the river bed below. Known world-wide in its heyday of overnight XC outings to the Wilderness Lodge, new operators Sugar Bowl Resort have their sights set on returning this iconic destination to its once and former glory.

LEARN MORE: www.royalgorge.com

Photo: Royal Gorge

66 WinTEr 2012/2013

AT A G L A N C EHope Valley Outdoors is a sustainable, off-the-grid, solar powered winter resort offering our customers the best in outdoor recreational opportunities. If you’re looking for cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, rentals, lessons and even guided tours, Hope Valley Outdoors can provide experienced information for just about all your outdoor needs. In our quiet and secluded location, only 20 minutes from Lake Tahoe, we do not have any phone service. Therefore we only accept cash or checks. We operate out of a yurt at Pickett’s Junction at the intersection of Hwy 88/89. We are located in Hope Valley, a beautiful high alpine valley surrounded by seven 10,000 foot peaks. Our location is between South Lake Tahoe and Kirkwood Ski Resort. Lodging and camping are all nearby, and we are open Thanksgiving through Easter. Our opening and closing dates depend on the snow conditions.

W H AT ’ S N E WOur major focus becomes fitting winter enthusiasts with cross country skis, snowshoes and accessories. Hope Valley Outdoors has over 60 miles of marked trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing, Wonderland Tours, and Moonlight Expeditions. On 20 miles we groom and set track. Our trail system and parking is on a donation program. Grooming and plowing the parking area is quite expensive to keep from having set fee donations are highly encouraged. New this season we are offering:

• Lesson tour package, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., come half an hour early to be fitted for equipment. Price $80, includes equipment for the tour. Please email us for reservations .

LEARN MORE: www.hopevalleyoutdoors.com

Hope ValleyOutdoors

Photo: Dylan Silver

TAHOE magazine 67

Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area

A t a G l a n c eLocated just minutes from downtown Tahoe City, Tahoe XC is a local’s favorite for skate skiing, classic skiing and snowshoeing. Twenty three beautifully groomed trails lead to scenic open meadows, challenging uphills, thrilling descents and unforgettable views of Lake Tahoe. Known for it’s fun, friendly community atmosphere, Tahoe XC hosts several unique on-snow events such as the Gourmet Ski Tour, the Great Ski Race and the Tahoe Rim Tour. Pull-behind sleds allow families to safely tow children ages 0 to 5 years, and three trailside warming huts offer free self-serve hot chocolate and tea.

LEARN MORE: www.tahoexc.org

W h a t ’ s N e wA new fleet of Fischer rentals for 2013 allow skiers to experience the latest in XC ski technology. Shoe to a View, a new snowshoe trail, leads adventure seekers to the top of Lakeview trail for a stunning panoramic view of Lake Tahoe. Keep an eye out for Bo’s Mobile Kitchen, a new snowmobile-driven grill that can go anywhere and serve up a delicious trailside lunch or breakfast. Bringing the dog? A mile of new dog-friendly terrain brings the dog trail network to 6 miles, keeping the family dog included in the fun.

Photo: Tom Zikas

68 WinTEr 2012/2013

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TAHOE magazine 69

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The information provided in this advertisement is strictly for informational purposes and shall not be construed as an offer to sell property to, nor a solicitation of offers from, residents of California or any other jurisdictions where prior registration or other advance qualifi cation of real property is required, or where prohibited by law. Prices, promotions, incentives, features, options, amenities, fl oor plans, elevations, designs, materials and dimensions are subject to change without notice. Home images, colors and sizes are approximate for illustration purposes only and are not intended to represent a specifi c home being offered for sale. Obtain the Property Report or its equivalent, required by Federal and State law and read it before signing anything. JMA Properties, Inc. DRE#01157751

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70 WinTEr 2012/2013

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TAHOE magazine 71

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72 WinTEr 2012/2013

Salomon Pledge Boot

2 To combat the wet, heavy Sierra cement, skiers and riders need a solid pair of pants. Patagonia’s Powder Bowl Pant

has two layers of Gore-Tex that’s guaranteed to keep you dry, and they’re light enough to hike in, stylish enough to club in and tough enough to wear day in, day out. Available at Patagonia in the Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe (1001 Heavenly Village Way No. 16, South Lake Tahoe, Calif., 530-542-3385).

South Shore

5 Over the past few years, Salomon has been making waves with its line of snowboard footwear. The high-

end pledge is an excellent example of its solidly built, simply styled boot that will have you stomping all over the mountain. All Salomon boots feature easy pull-and-lock lacing, so you’ll be the first to that fresh stash. Available at Tahoe Sports LTD in South Lake Tahoe (4000 Lake Tahoe Blvd., Suite 7, South Lake , Calif., 530-542-4000).

1 Though they didn’t invent the frameless goggle, Dragon’s new APX model is this season’s hottest eyewear. The oversize lens promises great peripheral

vision and the 100 percent UV protective lens will protect your eyes from glare, but you might look a little like an astronaut. Available at Heavenly Eyes in South Lake Tahoe (4118 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, Calif., 775-586-6116).

Dragon APX Goggle

Patagonia Powder Bowl Pants

Tahoe Moonshine Jagged Peaks Gin

4Distilled in a warehouse in South Lake Tahoe, Jagged Peaks Gin just tastes like winter. Tahoe

Moonshine owner Jeff Van Hee uses local ingredients such as juniper berries, for a flavor that seems to be made for the mountains. Be safe. Always ski and snowboard sober. Available at Dart Liquors in Stateline (148 U.S. Highway 50, Stateline, Nev., 775-580-6110)

Men’SGear Guide

Lib Tech T.Rice Pro HP C2BTX

3 Widely considered the best snowboarder on the planet, Travis Rice’s signature model could be the best snowboard. Lib Tech built the board

with its new fiberglass-free basalt construction and added all its patented technology, including Magne-Traction for better edges in icy conditions and reverse camber for better float on the fresh days. Much of the Lib Tech line of boards is available at Shoreline at Tahoe in South Lake Tahoe (259 Nevada State Route 207, Stateline, Nev., 888-877-7669).

Dragon

Lib Tech

Patagonia

Tahoe Moonshine

TAHOE magazine 73

6 Burton’s products have been trusted for decades. Its Mission binding is no different. With a cup-like toe strap and reliable metal buckles, you can

expect these bindings to last a few seasons, even if your board doesn’t. Available at Burton in the Northstar Resort Village. (3001 North Village Drive Suite 3110 Truckee, Calif., 530-562-8014).

7Looking to get out in the backcountry this season? Trusted by one of the world’s best big mountain riders and North Shore local

Jeremy Jones, the Mountain Twin will provide easy travel up and down those track-free lines. Available at Porters Tahoe in Truckee (11391 Deerfield Drive, Truckee, Calif., 530-587-1500).

9 Two years in the making, “Further” documents big mountain rider and North Shore local Jeremy Jones’ limit-

pushing snowboarding and mountaineering in places like Japan, Norway, Alaska and, of course, California’s Sierra Nevada. Watch it, be amazed by it, but please don’t try anything in this film at home. Available from tetongravity.com.

10Loki’s transformer-like fleeces and jackets are changing outerwear as we know it. Each jacket comes with built in mittens that flip over the end of each sleeve. The design

retains body warmth and allows it to flow from the arms to the hands. Along with the built-in face mask, this is exactly the kind of gear ninjas would wear in the snow. Available at Tahoe Mountain Sports in Kings Beach (8331 North Lake Blvd., Kings Beach, 866-891-9177).

Burton Mission Binding

Further

Jones Mountain Twin Split Snowboard

Loki Mountain Hoody

8 Safety always comes first in the backcountry. Anyone riding, skiing or hiking out of bounds should be equipped with an avalanche beacon and other safety gear, and know how to use it. Available at The Backcountry in Truckee (11400 Donner

Pass Road, Truckee, Calif., 530-582-0909) and Sierra Ski and Cycle Works in South Lake Tahoe (3430 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, 530-541-7505).

Avalanche classes and beacon training are available in both the North and South Shore through various organizations. Daily avalanche conditions are available through the Sierra Avalanche Center at sierraavalanchecenter.org.

Dead Sea Minerals Bath Salts

11Who said men don’t take baths? Obviously, they never busted a triple-cork rodeo off the Seven Sisters. After all those flips, er, tumbles, a muscle-soothing bath might sound like a pretty manly idea. Add Dead Sea Minerals Bath Salts

to heal those victory wounds. Available at New Moon Natural Foods in Tahoe City (505 West Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, Calif., 530-583-7426)

Backcountry Access DTS Avalanche Beacon

Gear Guide

North ShoreBurton Mission Binding

Burton

Jones

Teton Gravity Research

74 WinTEr 2012/2013

4With the rising popularity in backcountry snowboarding and splitboards, Gnu launched the woman-specific B-Pro series. Packed with features like Magne-Traction and reverse camber, getting rad in powder has never been

easier. Available at Shoreline of Tahoe in South Lake Tahoe (259 Nevada State Route 207, Stateline, Nev., 888-877-7669).

3 Every skier and boarder is bound to have a few sore spots after a day on the mountain. Passionflower Organics’ Arnica Rub offers soothing relief for the

bumps and bruises that come with every great snow story. Available from South Lake Tahoe’s Gaialicious (987 Tallac Ave., South Lake Tahoe, Calif., 530-542-4244).

Passionflower Herbals Arnica Rub

electric eG2.5 Goggles

2On those powdery days when the white stuff is flying, what better — and more stylish — pair of optics to protect your vision? You

can’t hit the big booter if you can’t see. Available at The Village Board Shop in South Lake Tahoe (3552 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, Calif., 530-541-4444).

Gnu Womens B-Pro C2 BTX Split Snowboard

686 Original Cargo Pant

1 Lake Tahoe’s winters can be a ride on a bucking weather bronco. If you can’t afford 15 different pairs of pants for

every condition, grab a pair that works well all around. The 686 Smart Cargo is a classic. The removable liner is useful when those dark stormy dumps turn into sparkling spring sun. Available at Kirkwood Mountain Sports (1501 Kirkwood Meadows Drive, Kirkwood, Calif., 209-258-7423).

5To beat the cold, it’s best to layer up properly. Too many bulky layers can cause you to sweat, which then

freezes. Hot Chillys line of colorful prints will keep you warm. Available at Great Outdoor Clothing Co. in South Lake Tahoe (1001 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe, Calif., 530-542-2859).

Hot Chillys Base Layers

Gear Guide

South Shore

WOMen’S

686Electric © 2011 James Cassimus

Gnu

TAHOE magazine 75

north Face Montana Mitt

6 Only so many snowballs can be thrown without mittens. The North Face Montana mitt will go a long way in the cold. The lengthy gators will keep snow out in deep conditions while the soft overlay along the thumb is great for wiping

runny noses. Available at North Face at Northstar California (6001 North Village Drive, Suite 6101, Truckee, Calif., 530-562-3663)

Patagonia Primo Jacket

7 Patagonia is the coldest place on earth and the company makes clothes to suit. The Primo jacket has all the outerwear features, including three layers of Gore-Tex, one would need to climb Mount McKinley, or ride Lake Tahoe’s many mountains.

Available at Patagonia at Northstar California (5001 North Village Drive, Suite 5110, Truckee, Calif., 530-562-8012).

Gear Guide

Tahoe Teas

8 Before hitting the slopes, meditate yourself into shred Zen with a cup of Tahoe Tea. Tahoe White is a blend of hand-picked White Bai Mudan, ginger and apple bits. It goes especially well with early season powder. All teas are

created in Tahoe City and are available at tahoeteas.com.

Giro Shiv 2 Helmet

9 Snow isn’t always soft. To protect that wildly valuable education, check out Giro’s new Shiv 2 helmet. Trusted by smart riders

like Gretchen Bleiler, these head buckets are hard to beat, and they’re so stylish you might not look too crazy wearing them off the slopes. Available at Tahoe Dave’s in Tahoe City (590 North Lake Blvd., Sunnyside-Tahoe City, Calif., 530-583-6415)

10Sure, these boots speak to the Uggs crowd, but Burton’s Memento is also a highly functional snowboard footwear. It’s lightweight, easy to lace and has a soft flex. Don’t worry about jumping on the bandwagon. Just jump over it.

Available at Burton at Northstar California (3001 North Village Drive, Suite 3110, Truckee, Calif., 530-562-8014).

GoPro Hero2

11Don’t get stuck trying to describe with words how awesome you are. Just show

people. GoPro’s tiny ultra-versatile cameras are now nearly ubiquitous with skiing and snowboarding. In fact, you might need five or six, 10 or 12 of them mounted on every appendage to get the right angle. Don’t worry. Nobody will notice. Available at Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee (11320 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, Calif., 530-587-4844).

South Shore North Shore

Burton Memento Snowboard Boot

Giro

North Face

Patagonia

76 WinTEr 2012/2013

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TAHOE magazine 77

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80 WinTEr 2012/2013

Road aBumpy

Jake Hickman airs off a jump during the u.S. Freestyle Selections in Steamboat, Colo., last December. Days later, the Tahoe teen suffered a spinal cord injury on a training run. He’s looking to return to the sport this winter. Photo: Kirk Paulsen

p E o p l E

TAHOE magazine 81

Six months to the day after his spine-wrenching crash at the U.S. Freestyle Selections, Jake Hickman’s skis hardly touched the snow as he floated down the slopes at Mount Bachelor, an elated teen.

“The first day back, I felt like the biggest gaper ever,” said Hickman, joking about the experience in Tahoe tourist terms. “But then the second day everything came back, and the third day I was skiing like 70 percent of what I used to be. I felt really good.”

That was June 2012.

A half-year earlier, the former J-2 National Champion, then 17, was riding an emotional high that culminated with a pair of fourth-place finishes at the U.S. Freestyle Selections in Steamboat, Colo. Hickman’s performance the first two days of competition likely earned him a World Cup start — a childhood dream for the still-rising star on the Squaw Valley Freestyle Team.

On Day 3 of the event, however, that dream screeched to a halt with one miscalculated launch.

“He came into the bottom air — and it was just a fluke thing — he caught his tip and got thrown backward a little bit,” said Jake’s father, Eric, who witnessed the Dec. 23, 2011, accident. “He was going to land on his neck and he decided that that wasn’t a good idea, so he threw a loop and landed on his back instead. It was a good decision on his part, or else it could have been a lot worse.”

Hickman remembers it well — the ill-fated takeoff, his surprisingly simple thought process in the air, the jarring impact and the frightening aftermath.

“I went off the jump and thought, ‘Ah, this is dumb.’ And that was about it. And then once I hit the ground I was like, ‘Something is really wrong.’ I just went numb right away. I couldn’t move anything or feel anything, and I just had to lay there,” he said. “That was the scariest part.”

Hickman was rushed to a local hospital before being transported to Denver Health Medical Center, where he underwent more than eight hours of surgery to repair a T7-T8 spinal cord injury. He had suffered a compression fracture and dislocated vertebrae, which caused a

By SyLAS WRIGHTTAHOE MAGAZINE Jake Hickman is shown at u.S. Freestyle Selections in Steamboat, Colo., where he suffered a spinal cord

injury during a training run. Photo: Kirk Paulsen

... CONTINuED ON NExT PAGE

A year after

suffering a

traumatic

spinal cord

injury,

standout

young Tahoe

moguls skier

JAke HickmAn

is on the

road to recovery

82 WinTEr 2012/2013

pinch to the spinal cord. Doctors inserted 10 screws and two 16-centimeter rods into his back.

And yet, he was fortunate to escape in that good of shape, his father said: “It didn’t break both sides of the vertebrae, or else it would have been game over, a complete spinal cord injury.”

Nevertheless, Hickman was down and out, and facing the reality of an uncertain future. Not only might he not return to the sport he loved, he might not ever walk again. Not to mention the nerve pain he felt in his midsection from crushed nerve roots.

“There definitely was a panic that set in,” said Hickman’s longtime coach Jimeel Ferris, director and head coach of the Squaw Valley Freestyle Team. “He had a broken back, so not only were you concerned about him never skiing again, it was more about being able to be a kid, and walk again, and even live. It was a sketchy situation there for awhile.”

With an army of supporters rallying behind him, Hickman said keeping a positive attitude in spite of his misfortune was not difficult. His parents set up a “Jake Hickman Rehab” Facebook page where hundreds of friends posted comments and stayed up to date on his status. The Tahoe-based High Fives Foundation also took Hickman under its wing as a Winter Empowerment Fun Athlete, allowing people to donate money toward his recovery.

“It was never really a question of spirits, because I have such a great support group with my family and all my friends,” Hickman said. “Tahoe is such a good, tight-knit community, and that really helped. And I had so many ski friends who were all super helpful. They knew kind of what I was going through. Everyone has to deal with injuries in the ski community, so it wasn’t ever really a question about morale. It was just kind of like, ‘OK, I’ve got to get through this.’

“Through all the other injuries I’ve had, you kind of learn to stay positive and keep working toward it.”

So that’s what he did. Within five days of the injury, Hickman was already walking with assistance. He was soon transferred to Craig Hospital in Denver, where he steadily progressed on a rigorous rehab regimen.

“Skiing was not even on the radar until we started to get into his rehab.” Ferris said. “Doctors were giving him some good prognosis, and then he just flipped a switch and was like, ‘I’m going to come back, and I’m going to come back stronger than ever.”

After seeing Hickman on the snow for the first time since his accident, the Squaw Valley coach did not doubt his words.

“We were skiing on snow exactly six months to the day after his accident,

“I just went numb right away. I couldn’t move anything or feel anything, and I just had to lay there. That was the scariest part.” — Jake Hickman

Jake Hickman airs off a jump during the u.S. Freestyle Selections last December.

Photo: Kirk Paulsen

...FROM PREvIOuS PAGE


Jake Hickman receives a fist bump in the starting gate at the u.S. Freestyle Selections last December. The Tahoe teen suffered a spinal cord injury during a training run at the event and is trying to make a full recovery. Photo: Kirk Paulsen

and it was unbelievable. I sat there with a bunch of other coaches from all over the country with our jaws on the ground,” Ferris said, chuckling at the memory. “It was impressive.”

Hickman, who is currently working out with Chris Cloyd from Performance Training Center in Truckee, said he feels stronger than ever following a summer of intense physical therapy, as well as a fall of off-snow training at Woodward Tahoe on Donner Summit. “The nerve pain above his belly button has almost completely subsided, while he said his back feels solid, ‘but really stiff.’”

In August, he was cleared by doctors to “compete in any sport at any level,” which for Hickman meant a green light to dive back into moguls competition full bore.

“We’ll see how it goes, but I feel pretty confident about it,” he said. “I’m just kind of taking it step by step. I can’t really say if I’m going to be on the U.S. Ski Team, I can’t really say I’m not. It’s hard to say at this point. I really don’t know. Making the U.S. team is a huge goal for me, but I also need to realize that it might not happen this season, because I’ve gone through a lot. I might just be training this season, working hard to get back to where I was.”

Ferris has little doubt that Hickman, whom he has coached since the age of 10, can return to his past form, and even exceed it. He just isn’t sure when that will happen.

“It’s going to take a while. Moguls skiing is a gnarly sport; it’s an aggressive sport,” Ferris said. “You’re jumping, you’re flipping, you’re landing, and it’s very technical. Will he be able to come back? Yeah. But it’s a mental sport as much as it’s a physical sport. Your mind has to be in the right place if you’re going to do double flips and all these tricks and haul down a moguls run.

“His body is already back, really. It’s more about a mindset now. He

wants to, he has the physical conditioning to and he can. It’s just a matter of when they say, ‘3, 2, 1…’”

When that times comes, Hickman said he’ll be ready.

“I’ve ran over it a million times in my head. I’ve gone over it and over it and over it, and I don’t feel like there’s any way I could do it again,” he said of the crash. “So I feel like that’s not really a huge scare for me or fear issue as far as returning to competition goes. There are definitely going to be some things I’m a little smarter about, but I feel like that’s a good thing for my skiing and for my body.”

While Hickman remains confident in his ability, watching him compete will never be the same for at least one of his biggest fans – his mother, Sheila.

“Oh, it scares me,” she said of the thought. “But we spent so much time at Craig Rehab that it made me realize that people get spinal cord injuries from tripping over a power cord or falling down stairs. And these athletes are so well trained, I think it was just a freak accident like anything else. But it does scare me and I don’t know if I can watch him on snow. So we’ll see when he gets out there. I may just wait and see the results and not watch him.”

No matter what’s in store for Hickman, the North Tahoe High School senior said his skiing accident has given him a different, more refreshing perspective on life.

And for that, he will forever be thankful for his fate.

“I’m a completely different person now,” he said. “Night and day. It’s kind of funny how before an injury you take everything for granted. And now, every day, I’m just so stoked to be able to chase my dream again — to go off a jump or go ski or do what I want, instead of being stuck in a chair. It’s definitely a blessing.” ◆

84 WinTEr 2012/2013

TAHOE PRO SKIERS ELySE SauGSTad AND Cody TowNSENd ON WHAT IT TAKES TO GO BIG, LOvE THE SPORT AND SuRvIvE AN AvALANCHE Elyse Saugstad and Cody Townsend pose for a shot in the Austrian mountains before taking off down the slope. Photo: provided to Tahoe Magazine

Shredding a t t h e t o p

TAHOE magazine 85

Elyse Saugstad and Cody Townsend might be winter athletes, but their seasons don’t end when the snow stops falling.

The professional big-mountain skiing husband-and-wife power couple lives and rides in Squaw Valley, where they spend much of the summer preparing for the upcoming winter and the demands the sport will put on their bodies. It’s a two-pronged approach to get ready for the next season, Saugstad said. They combine a love of skiing with the dry-land training hours in order to survive the professional ranks.

“You have to be passionate about it. You can’t get caught up in who’s being sponsored. Eventually, the hard work will pay off,” Saugstad said. “The other part that goes into it is that you have to treat it like any other professional sport.”

That means hitting the gym and hitting it often. Saugstad and Townsend lift weights, do squats and leg presses, strengthen their cores and work on balance five to six days a week. It’s not all about leg strength, but rather about developing a well-rounded fitness routine, Townsend said. For the skiers, serious quad exercises don’t even come into play until the fall. And it always still takes actual days on the mountain to fine-tune all the small muscles.

“No matter how hard you train, the first day on the snow I’m always sore as heck,” Townsend said.

Physical therapy and professional fitness training also give the athletes an edge. Saugstad has taken bar classes at Michelle Rahlves’ The Bar Effect, a fitness center with offices in Truckee and Tahoe City that uses a fixed bar for a total-body workout.

She cited Woodward Tahoe, an action sports training and summer camp facility at Boreal Mountain Resort, as a central component of her upcoming fall training. The 33,000-square-foot Tahoe facility opened in June and boasts six Olympic-size trampolines, an indoor skatepark, three foam pits and a tumbling track. Woodward Tahoe offers programming for skateboarders, BMXers, skiers, snowboarders and cheerleaders looking to perfect their skills before hitting features on the field, the park or the mountain.

The couple supplements the anaerobic indoor workouts with activities like mountain biking, surfing, trail running and fishing. The latter is really more for the mental game, Saugstad admitted. “The mental aspect is just about the largest component. And it’s something you can definitely work on,” she said.

Big mountain skiing involves more than great thigh muscles and rock-hard core strength. You also need to be willing to huck 100-foot cliffs and brave the occasional avalanche. Mental toughness and focus are just as necessary as physical fitness.

Squaw valley resident and professional skier Cody Townsend impressed the home crowd in 2010 with his jump, which he landed cleanly near the bottom of Silverado.


yOu CONSTANTLy HAvE TO PuSH yOuRSELF.

– ELySE SAuGSTAD

“”


86 WinTEr 2012/2013

So how do you refine your mental game as you amp up your conditioning? According to Saugstad, it’s all about testing your limits even on an easy resort day.

“You constantly have to push yourself. When I’m skiing I always try and do something that ups the fear factor. Doing cliffs you’ve never done before, or park jumps. (The park jumps are) really out of my comfort zone, but it really helps. Days that are really icy I ski really tight turns,” she said.

SuRvIvAL ON THE EDGESaugstad needed every neuron of mental toughness on Feb. 19, 2012, when she was caught in an avalanche that took three of her friends’ lives at Stevens Pass.

“For gnarly factor, that’s as tough as it gets. That was a fun, free ski day. We were skiing an area we could have skied blindfolded. You can get in over your head when you least expect it,” she said.

That morning, the group followed all the steps that would be outlined in a backcountry avalanche safety class. They checked the avalanche forecast, and assessed which route would be less avalanche-prone. They paired up in buddy groups and decided they would hit the slope one by one to expose fewer people to danger.

Saugstad was the second skier down the route. She’d stopped in a heavily-forested safe zone and was waiting for her companions when the seventh skier triggered the avalanche. Within seconds, she was caught up in the snow and hurtling down the slope. She was wearing an ABS avalanche safety backpack, which she activated as the deluge caught her.

“The avalanche felt very much like being in a washing machine, as I was tossed and turned this way and that way, having at times no idea what way was up or down,” Saugstad wrote on her website, www.elysesaugstad.com.

When she finally came to a halt, she was completely cemented with only her face and her arms above the snow. Within 10 minutes, one of her companions dug her out. The search started for the other skiers, all of whom were scattered across the slope. One of the victims was found three feet to the left of where Saugstad stopped, while another was buried about 300 feet down the hill. None of the three men who died wore an avalanche backpack that day, a piece of gear that Saugstad credits with saving her life. Since February, the packs, once only well known in Europe, have become more popular in North America, she said.

“The avalanche I was in helped bring it to the forefront. It’s a cultural thing and now everyone sees it as a necessity,” she said. “If you’re getting into the big mountain, it’s good to have the education. If you don’t understand snowpack and the terrain, then the backpack won’t work as well. You have to know snowpack and what you’re getting into. There’s a lot bigger picture than just the glamour of an avalanche.”

For Townsend, the February avalanche impressed upon him just how serious big-mountain skiing can be.

“The closest call was with my wife. That brought it home more than anything else. When your wife almost dies, or your friends almost die, you realize how serious this is,” he said.

THE DAILy STRESSESWhile surviving an avalanche represents the extreme pole of big-mountain skiing, there are numerous quotidian impacts for which athletes like Saugstad and Townsend need to prepare. Chiropractor Adam Spindler calls those daily stresses the unnatural forces that athletes put on their bodies when they participate in impact sports from skiing to football to motocross.

Professional big-mountain skier Elyse Saugstad shreds through deep powder in a wooded glade. Photo: Cody Townsend


TAHOE magazine 87

Spindler, who also works as a healthy lifestyle coach and personal trainer from his South Lake Tahoe clinic Sports Performance Chiropractic and Fitness Nutrition, said those forces can cause degenerative, arthritic problems in the knees and the spine that age joints long before their time.

“It ages their spines. When I see their X-rays, I’m always kind of shocked,” Spindler said. “If you’re a typical Bay Area resident, this would start to hit you in your 40s and 50s. Because of the extremes we put our bodies through in Tahoe, you might start to see this in your late 20s.”

What happens is that the spine can become compressed by the impacts caused by skiing, from jumping off a cliff to snaking through a field of moguls. Vertebrae can even fracture from the downward compression, a preventable injury that often goes undiagnosed, Spindler said.

The key is making sure your spine and joints are properly aligned. That means engaging in functional conditioning — not your average workout, functional conditioning trains movements rather than isolated muscles, according to Robert Gotlin’s “Sports Injuries Guidebook” — plyometrics, agility training, yoga and other strength and flexibility regimens. Deep tissue massage work to mobilize muscles doesn’t hurt either, Spindler said. It’s injury-prevention conditioning that can also improve an athlete’s reaction time, he said.

He also said that while weight training can be OK, athletes should avoid weight training machines at all costs. A good rule of thumb: If the exercise doesn’t work at least two joint systems, don’t do it. Flexibility is just as crucial as strength building, and Spindler recommended split squats with a stick to develop balance, strength and symmetry all in one move.

To do the exercise, grab the top of a 4-foot stick above your head and behind your back with your right hand. Take the bottom of the stick, which should be perpendicular to the ground and pressed against the base of your spine and between your shoulder blades, with your left hand. Stand up tall, drawing your belly button toward your spine, and rest your head on the stick. Put your right leg forward and step down into a lunge or spilt squat position. Don’t let your right knee extend beyond your right foot, and bend your left leg until you feel your hip flexor stretch. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds, switch legs and repeat.

For Townsend, the total-body workouts and functional conditioning he does in the preseason are all part of his main goal — health and fitness. Improved skiing comes naturally with the healthier lifestyle, he said.

“It’s more of an overall thing. You’re working on being strong physically. I work out a lot to be healthy, and that helps me be a better skier overall,” Townsend said. ◆

IT AGES THEIR

SPINES. WHEN

I SEE THEIR

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88 WinTEr 2012/2013

Jason Smith witnessed this Sunday morning avalanche at Squaw valley in 2010. Photo: Jason Smith

s u R v I v A l G u I d E

TAHOE magazine 89

backcountry

You’re suffocating in the dark and you can’t move. The snow that had seemed so fluffy moments before as you carved wide S turns down the slope is cemented in your nose,

your eyes and your mouth. Your life depends on a small avalanche transceiver — if you decided to bring it — and your companions — if you decided to ski with friends. If you ask Randall Osterhuber, by this point the key mistakes have already been made and much of what he would recommend when it comes to avalanche safety is moot. For Osterhuber, director and treasurer of the Sierra Avalanche Center, the key to surviving an avalanche is to never get caught up in one.

“My first answer would be to get an education and a formal outdoor backcountry class. Since the weather and snowpack change constantly, you have to check the advisory daily,” Osterhuber said.

STEPS yOu NEED TO KNOW

IF yOu WANT TO COME OuT

OF AN AvALANCHE ALIvE

Survivalin the



SAC publishes a daily avalanche advisory on its website, www.sierraavalanchecenter.org, that covers the Central Sierra Nevada between Yuba Pass on the north and Ebbetts Pass on the south. The forecast applies only to backcountry areas outside established ski boundaries and describes general avalanche conditions.

It’s important to monitor the advisory even when the snow pack is light. In fact, dry winters can sometimes make for the worst avalanche seasons. Last year, there were two avalanche fatalities in the Tahoe basin both caused by an early, weak snowpack that gave way in March as snow accumulated on top.

“The old, weak snow that had been reburied was the fault line. Dry winters can breed especially weak grains within the snowpack,” Osterhuber said.

To assess specific conditions for where you’re skiing, you need to know what to look for. Donner Summit Avalanche Seminars and Expedition: Kirkwood Avalanche Education both offer backcountry classes in the Tahoe area.

The avalanche safety sessions can help you recognize dangerous conditions like wet snow instabilities and storm and wind slabs, as well as which routes are more avalanche-prone. They can also teach you basic backcountry protocol, like skiing with a buddy and exposing only one skier at a time to avalanche danger.

Though Osterhuber said you can’t rely on gear, there are three pieces no skier should leave home without, according to the SAC website: an avalanche transceiver, also known as an avalanche beacon, which emits a signal that can guide rescuers to your body; a collapsible probe; and a shovel. There are no guarantees when it comes to avalanches though,

and skiers must know how the gadgets work before heading into the backcountry.

“You can’t have gear trump your knowledge of how to use it. You can’t look at this gear as protecting you from an avalanche. It won’t keep you from being killed. What it does is help with body retrieval. You can’t be fooled that just because you’re wearing a transceiver that you have immunity,” Osterhuber said.

Avalanche backpacks such as the ABS TwinBag that deploys two airbags when you pull a cord can save your life — according to the ABS website, 97 percent of the 262 who have activated the air bag survived — but are geared more toward advanced skiers and can’t replace a transceiver, probe or shovel, Osterhuber said.

“The equipment takes a fair bit of knowledge. People are severely traumatized even if they survive. They get really worked. They’re done,” Osterhuber said.

If worse comes to worst and you do get caught in an avalanche, Osterhuber had one word of advice: fight. If you can get your head above the snow, it increases your chance of survival exponentially. Securing at least some breathing space around your nose and mouth can also help, even if your head is buried. By grabbing trees and working your way to the top of the snow could mean the difference between life and death.

“The bottom line is that you have to fight for your life. At that point, the mistakes have already been made,” Osterhuber said. ◆

“PEOPLE ARE SEvERELy TRAuMATIZED EvEN IF THEy SuRvIvE. THEy GET REALLy WORKED. THEy’RE DONE.”

– Randall Osterhuber


Mount Rose ski patroller John Talbot

explains to responders how a probe

line works to grid an avalanche area

and find victims buried underneath

the snow in January 2009.

Photo: Jen Schmidt

TAHOE magazine 91

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By DyLAN SILvER

TAHOE MAGAZINE

“It’s like gambling somehow. You go out for a night of drinking and you don’t know where you’re going to end up the next day. It could work out good or it could be disastrous. It’s like a throw of the dice.” — Jim Morrison

For many, vacation is a time to kick back and toast to whatever comes to mind. While that’s a personal choice, let’s remember that getting drunk can inadvertently affect those around you. And at higher elevations, in an exciting atmosphere, it can affect you differently. Here’s a few things to keep in mind when you’re dipping into Lake Tahoe’s many watering holes.

1 Though it is a common belief that elevation increases the potency of alcoholic beverages, it actually does not affect your body’s ability to metabolize alcohol. In other words, your blood-

alcohol content will be the same after one beer in the mountains as will be at sea level. But because the air is thinner, elevation does affect the body’s ability to absorb enough oxygen. This can cause somewhat of a drunken feeling — light-headedness, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Combined with one, two or three too many drinks, things might get a little hazy, or blacked out, real quick.

2There’s a longstanding myth that alcohol helps warm the body when it’s cold. Initially, a drink will dilate your blood vessels and move them closer to the surface of the skin, offering a temporary

feeling of warmth. But, according to the Discovery Channel’s trusty Mythbusters, this won’t help one stay warm over any period of time, and it actually might make them colder. Because the veins move blood outward, core body temperature — the heat one needs to stay warm in, say, the snow — drops.

3Bars in Nevada don’t close at 2 a.m. Sometimes, they don’t close at all. Drinking in the Silver State can take endurance. Don’t put on the wobbly boot until you’ve donned your trousers, as the

saying goes. If you’re going to start drinking on the California side and move over to Nevada for the late hullabaloo, don’t drink and drive.

4According to Highaltitudelife.com, the Mayo Clinic and other sources, elevation has been known to increase one’s chances of dehydration. Through perspiration and the exhalation of water

vapor at high altitudes, the body can use up to twice as much moisture as at sea level. That means you need more water to keep your body functioning. And it means a heavy night of drinking, without substantial hydration, can mean one elevated hangover.

5There’s a distinction between possessing an open drink (container) in public and being drunk in public. In Nevada, having an open container is legal in some cities, but California

has a statewide law that bans open alcoholic beverages in public. That doesn’t mean you’re allowed to wander the streets three sheets to the wind on either side of the border. In both states, it is illegal to be drunk in public and police closely watch behavior.

6Drunk driving is never tolerated. If you’re caught behind the wheel and under the influence, even if your blood alcohol level is less than .08, you will be charged and spend the night in jail.

And on winter nights, those concrete floors are plenty cold. “We want everybody to have a good time,” South Lake Tahoe Police Department spokesman Lt. David Stevenson said. “But know your limits and don’t drink and drive.” ◆

s p i r i t sshort vacations in Lake Tahoe are a fun chance to let loose, but a few things need to be considered before swimming in the punch bowl.

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TAHOE magazine 95

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WINTER DRIvINGTIPS TO LIvE By

Accidents, traffic tickets, injuries: three ways to quickly ruin your winter weekend and freeze up personal finances.

Sgt. John Giovannini from the Placer County Sheriff’s Office branch in Tahoe City has seen it — tiringly — too many times.

Sighing, Giovannini can recount a chronicle of close calls, near misses and fatal tragedies. While Tahoe’s Sierra Nevada slopes are known for their epic ski chutes and black diamond runs, Giovannini points out that the terrain also creates treacherous driving conditions.

Giovannini outlines 10 pointers for visitors and locals alike to follow this and every winter.

M o t o r i n gthe slippery slopes

Giovannini says many drivers are caught running red lights when their tires lose traction and they continue into an intersection. This is a result of going too fast, he says, meaning drivers need to slow down.

Just because you have four-wheel drive doesn’t mean you’re invincible to slick roads. Giovannini says four-wheel drive tourists unfamiliar with driving in snow occasionally overestimate their vehicle’s ability to stop and corner. He recommends allowing greater distances between vehicles and, as always, keeping it slow.

Giovannini says he remembers the tragic incident when a man was crushed by a vehicle as he lay just off the highway putting on chains — the type of accident he says is common. “Drivers need to pull well off the roadway to avoid being hit,” Giovannini says.

Bigger is not always better. Surprisingly, Giovannini says it’s the big-tired, lifted trucks and jeeps that encounter the most problems in the snow. This, he says, is due to two factors — the idea they are invincible and that their higher center of balance makes them prone to rolling.

Traction equals control and control equals safety, a reason why Giovannini recommends those with pick ups make sure to weight their

rear tires. Locals, Giovannini says, use wet hay bales to add heft.

If caught in a slide, unable to break, Giovannini recommends steering your vehicle into the closest berm of snow — especially if you’re headed for an intersection.

Snow mounts on hoods, windshields and mirrors. Giovannini says it’s important to make sure — despite snow — that your license plate is clearly visible, as it could get you a citation.

Some drivers, Giovannini says, are either ignorant about chain restrictions or willingly ignorant about chain restrictions. Citations aside, he says it’s just common sense to chain up when it’s posted.

When climbing a steep hill — and unable to get enough traction to get up it — a tip not known to newbies, Giovannini says, is to straddle the ridge of the road where soft snow has collected. The textured surface is sometimes enough for tires to, slowly, push your vehicle upward.

Preparing for the worst, Giovannini says having extra warm clothing, food and water in the vehicle is a must. A medical kit and extra winter windshield washer fluid are other musts as road grime from melted snow can prevent visibility. ◆

By JASON SHuEHTAHOE MAGAZINE

Winter driving is always sketchy in Incline village. Be sure your car has either the correct snow tires or you always have an extra pair of chains.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

red lights still mean stop

Four-wheel confusion

chain reaction

monster trucks, monster mash

Pickup traction satisfaction

bailing in the berms

clean your plate

ignorance is not bliss

rising ridges

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Interstate-80 in and out of Truckee can be a dangerous winter drive

TAHOE magazine 97

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98 WinTEr 2012/2013

T a h o e ’ s W i n T e r

STAKES ITS ClAImBy Mark McLaughlin

Tahoe Magazine

TAHOE magazine 99

With a stroke of his fountain pen 150 years ago, President Abra-ham Lincoln unleashed the “greatest engineering project in the history of man.” His approval of the 1862 Pacific Railroad Act

was the first in a series of Congressional legislative acts that mandated the federal government provide funding to build a new railroad and tele-graph line across the United States from the Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean. Despite the tragic distraction of the ongoing American Civil War, the transportation and communication construction frenzy that followed this law would finally stitch the country together and relegate the iconic canvas-covered pioneer wagon to a historic relic.

Central Pacific Railroad’s construction enterprise commenced late in 1863, and immediately ran into financial, political and engineering prob-lems. Beyond those issues, however, building a railroad over the Sierra Nevada posed a major challenge to the men laying the rails, especially during the heavy winters of 1867 and 1868, when work was being done in the high country. Weather-related delays were critical since Central Pacific was in a race with the Union Pacific Railroad to lay as much track as fast as possible. CP was heading east while UP worked westward. The more miles of track each company threw down, the more money and land grants they would earn from their government contracts.

By November 1866, CP tracklayers had pushed the railhead to Cisco, at nearly 6,000 feet in elevation and 92 miles east from Sacramento, their starting point. The obdurate Sierran granite proved nearly impossible to penetrate. Where a roadbed could not be built, a tunnel was chipped and blasted out. At elevations between 6,000 and 7,000 feet, nine tunnels were slowly excavated, totaling 5,158 feet in length. At Donner Summit, Tunnel No. 6 was carved through 1,659 feet of solid granite. Despite the constant digging and the use of 300 kegs of black powder daily, the rock was so hard that the estimated 8,000 Chinese laborers drilling the Sum-mit Tunnel could gain only about eight inches per day. In addition to the risk of deadly explosions, workers outside endured blinding blizzards and lethal avalanches. Two back-to-back big winters, 1867 and 1868, virtually paralyzed the construction project as workers fought their way through Donner Pass.

After three years of labor in the foothills, the railroad line had finally reached the heavy Sierra snowbelt, where winter construction became a major challenge. Instead of tackling the Storm King head-on, plans were made to complete the dozen or more tunnels underway, working 24 hours per day. Due to the anticipated severity of the winter weather in the upper elevations, railroad management ordered about 3,000 Chinese crewmen and material ahead into the Truckee River Canyon to prepare the road there. In December 1866, when snow buried the pass, laborers fit large logs together to construct huge cargo sleds. Using these oversized tobog-gans, they hauled one locomotive, car parts, iron rails and other supplies

down to Coburn’s Station (future site of Truckee). They had intended to move more equipment, but it was decided to wait until winter was over in case overwhelming snowfall caused a disastrous loss of equipment. The limited leapfrog strategy worked, however, as workers in the relatively protected Truckee River Canyon managed to grade about 33 track miles before they ran out of construction supplies.

There were 44 separate winter storms in 1867, nearly twice the normal amount. One particularly potent low-pressure system in late February 1867 dropped 10 feet of snow in 13 days, and literally buried the work-ers’ housing structures and all their equipment. Total accumulation on Donner Pass that year exceeded 44 feet, which effectively shut down all construction except for tunnel work. One avalanche wiped out an en-tire Chinese work camp; when the bodies were discovered the following spring, work tools were still clutched in their frozen hands. Later another slide near Tunnel No. 9 swept 20 Chinese to their death. On April 13, the Summit Valley snowpack near Donner Pass exceeded 15 feet — on June 1 it was still 6 feet deep.

Theodore Judah, the engineer who had surveyed a realistic grade over the Sierra, died before construction got underway, but the railroad followed his blueprint for the project. Despite excellent engineering skills, Judah had no real understanding of the great danger, power and frequency of Sierra snowfall and avalanches. He had made observations and inter-

“One particularly

pOtent lOw-pressure

system in late

February 1867 drOpped

10 Feet OF snOw in 13

days, and literally

buried the wOrkers’

hOusing structures and

all their equipment.”


standing in the way OF the First

transcOntinental railrOad’s

cOmpletiOn between san FranciscO

and the nebraska/iOwa bOrder

were the harsh tahOe winters

OF 1867 and 1868

[Top] Photo: Southern Pacific Railroad – Central Pacific Railroad director Leland Stanford, wearing a frock

coat, stood upon this pilot plow at Cisco, Calif., during the winter of 1867. [Bottom] Photo: Nevada Historical

Society – During the winters of 1867 & 1868, hundreds of men were employed, shoveling railroad tracks.

100 WinTEr 2012/2013

viewed early pioneers, hunters, miners, and Native Americans and come to the conclusion the maximum winter snow depth was about 13 feet. Ju-dah figured that plows and steady train traffic would keep snow problems at a manageable level, but after the brutal winter of 1867, CP realized that it needed a solution to this problem. Despite the immense cost, Central Pacific eventually constructed about 37 miles of wooden snowsheds and galleries to protect the trains, track, stations and work buildings. Arthur Brown, the company’s supervisor for the shed construction, reported: “Although every known appliance was used to keep the road clear of snow that winter of 1867, including the largest and best snow plows then known, it was found impossible to keep it open over half the time and that mostly by means of men and shovels, which required an army of men on hand all the time at great expense.” For decades after the sheds were built, passengers and crew often described the dark passage over the Sierra as “railroading through a barn.” But it worked.

The winter of 1868 got off to a slow start with mild weather through No-vember, a meteorological blessing that enabled track layers to reach Don-ner Summit on Nov. 30, 1867. There was no time to celebrate, however, as the Pacific storm door kicked open in early December. By mid-month, the snowpack was 5 feet deep on the summit. On the first day of winter, Dec. 21, a subtropical atmospheric river known as the Pineapple Ex-press swamped Northern California. Rainfall at Nevada City that month exceeded 40 inches. In the higher elevations where rain turned to snow, roaring avalanches snapped trees three feet in diameter. Buildings in the Sierra were buried to their second stories; firewood cut from treetops was shoved down chimneys. In some communities, residents visited stores, saloons and each other via tunnels dug underneath the snow. Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing was the only means of travel in the snow-bound regions. To remove the snow, laborers shoveled it into empty box-cars; it was then shipped to Sacramento and dumped into the river. Since the invention of the rotary snowplow was still 20 years in the future, track clearing before 1888 relied on wedge-shaped bucker plows and hand-shoveling.

The harsh weather and tough working conditions generated a rare labor strike by Chinese crews, but CP quickly capitulated and met its demands for a 12-hour workday and a salary increase of $5 to $35 per month. The

weather turned brutally cold in January but stayed dry, and then re-mained eerily calm through February. The workers’ dream for an early spring was shattered, however, when the most powerful single storm of the season buried Donner Pass with 10 feet of snow in a week. In early March, eight Chinese were killed when a newly-built railroad shed col-lapsed under the enormous load. On March 12, a Wells Fargo and Co. agent reported: “Bringing treasure through the snowbound Sierra in a sleigh, the white mantle is said to be within two feet of the telegraph wires, making it 22 feet deep on the level.” When April finally arrived, workers discovered that some of the road cuts were filled with as much as 60 feet of drifted snow compacted into a solid mass. These frozen blockades had to be blasted out with explosives to clear the way for the opening of spring work. By June 1868, ice and snow remained 12 feet deep in many places along the tracks, but trains were running from Sacramento all the way to Lake’s Crossing (later renamed Reno).

Constructing a railroad 88 miles over the rugged Sierra between Newcas-tle and Truckee had taken 11,000 men 38 months of backbreaking work. In comparison, to complete the line from Truckee, east across the desert to Promontory, Utah, a distance of 571 miles, took 5,000 men just one year and 27 days. The completion of the first transcontinental railroad across the United States in May 1869 finally opened to the door to safe travel from coast to coast. The Iron Horse was a revolutionary transportation technology; the first to provide a comfortable passage over storm-bound Donner Pass during winter months.

For the crews that completed the line over the Sierra Nevada 145 years ago, their herculean effort not only connected the Golden State with the rest of the nation, but the railroad also became a vital component in the development of skiing and winter sports in the Truckee and Lake Tahoe region. ◆

Tahoe historian Mark McLaughlin is a nationally published author and professional speaker. His award-winning books are available at local stores or at www.thestormking.com.

You can reach him at [email protected]. Check out his blog at www.tahoenuggets.com

“the harsh weather and tOugh wOrking cOnditiOns generated

a rare labOr strike by chinese crews, but central paciFic quickly

capitulated and met their demands FOr a 12-hOur wOrkday and

a salary increase OF $5 tO $35 per mOnth.”


TAHOE magazine 101

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S k i i n g & S l e d d i n g a t G r a n l i ba k k e n

Beginner learn to Ski or Snowboard package $60

Machine-groomed sledding hill in Tahoe City, CA $10 per person, including saucer rental

Afterwards, enjoy a tasty snack or a steaming cup of cocoa at our ski hut.

Granlibakken.com 877-552-6329

Sledding and rental shop open daily, on-site ski hill open weekends and holidays.

• Beginner Learn to Ski or Snowboard from $65• Sledding with saucer rental $12 all day Machine groomed sledding hill in Tahoe City• Treetop Adventure Park - $45 adult, $28 child 4+. Book online at Granlibakken.com• Ski Hut with warm drinks, snacks & rental shop• Lodging/Ski packages $145/person

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TAHOE magazine 103

LET IT SNOW!Everything Your Dog

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104 WinTEr 2012/2013

hidden gem restaurants around Truckee/Tahoe

DiningincognitoDiningDiningDiningDiningiiiincncncncognitoognitoognitoognito

By SIMONE GRANDMAINTAHOE MAGAZINE

TAHOE magazine 105

WHy SHOuLD THE LOCALS HAvE ALL

THE FuN WITH THEIR SECRET,

KNOCK-yOuR-SKI-SOCKS-OFF

CAFéS, DELIS AND FINE DINING?

JuST BECAuSE yOu ARE ONLy

HERE IN THE SIERRA FOR TWO

OF THE FOuR SEASONS DOESN’T

MEAN yOu SHOuLD HAvE

TO SuBSIST ON SuBSTANDARD FARE.

CHECK OuT THIS HIT LIST OF EIGHT

LOCAL EATERIES WORTH A LOOK.

1169 Ski run Blvd., South Lake Tahoe530-544-8130For more information, visit nepheles.com

Can a restaurant really be a “hidden gem” when it has been wowing patrons since 1977? Apparently so, because while many of the faces here remain familiar, the menu is always new, changing seasonally and with the times. The restaurant’s “Creative California Cuisine” consist of fresh game and food, including elk, ahi, grouper and “Whatever we can get our hands on!” says owner Tim Halloran. One item remaining available all year long — the Seafood Cheesecake. This house specialty is a blend of smoked Gouda, rock shrimp, and Andouille sausage served on a bread crumb crust and drizzled with a five pepper chili sauce. Oh — wondering how the restaurant got its name? Nephele was the Greek goddess of epicurean delights. She pledged her services preparing the finest ambrosia for the gods that spared her son, Jason, from being offered up to the higher gods upon his birth. So now you know.

NEPHELES1

Photo: Crista Halloran

106 WinTEr 2012/2013

3140 Emerald Bay road, Meyers 530-577-5132For more information, visit getawaycafetahoe.com

This charming and intimate establishment has gone and invented a new genre in the world of food writers: “Alpine Comfort Cuisine.” Sounds about right. And you’ll be saying “Alpine Comfort Cuisine” the minute you try Getaway’s fried chicken. Or maybe it will be the coconut-crusted french toast. Better yet, probably the meatloaf. Owner Diane Guth knows her way around a kitchen and, as a Certified Specialist of Wine, a vineyard. Ninety-nine percent of the menu is freshly made and the other 1 percent? Probably a nicely aged Merlot. That’s a great ratio for good food and good times, all just a few minutes’ drive from South Lake Tahoe in the wonderful little community of Meyers.

THE GETaway CaFE

3

2

10825 Pioneer Trail road, Suite 103, Truckee530-550-9516For more information, visit fullbellydelitruckee.com

“When you’re eating with a fork, all you do is push the food around your plate, looking for the perfect bite,” says deli owner and sandwich master Tom Marrin. “We put it on bread and give you 20 perfect bites. That’s the motivation behind our sandwiches.” Perhaps it’s more like 30 perfect — with emphasis on the word “perfect” — bites, because this place serves up a huge sandwich full of flavor and no fluff. As for motivation, owners Tom Marrin and Eric Barton set out to open a deli so spectacular people would drive from Tahoe to Truckee to enjoy their wares. They have succeeded. Just check out these specialty sandwiches, among a slew of others: The Dirka Dirka — corned beef, pastrami, pickles, yellow mustard, Swiss and jalapeno coleslaw; the Cuban — roasted pork loin, black forest ham, pickles, Dijon mustard and Swiss; and the Southwest Chicken, a pressed sandwich with avocado, pepper jack cheese and chipotle aioli on focaccia. Do yourself a favor and pay a visit to Full Belly Deli, and don’t forget to pick up one of the sandwich club cards.

FuLL BELLy dELI

The eggs benedict is just one of many freshly made, delicious dishes at the Getaway Cafe in Meyers. Photo: Simone Grandmain

FBD’s tri-tip sandwich includes dry rubbed tri-tip with caramelized onions; blue cheese & spinach. Here it’s served on the deli’s famous jalapeno cheddar bread. Photo: Full Belly Deli

TAHOE magazine 107

2905 Lake Forest Blvd., Tahoe City530-583-3324 This tucked-away North Lake Tahoe treasure specializing in Italian cuisine has been family owned for more than 80 years. Yes — 80 years. Translation: They must be doing something right. Second translation: They have had a lot of time to dial in house specialties such as the homemade ravioli stuffed with spinach and smothered in fabulous tomato sauce; eggplant, veal and chicken Parmesan; and Mastaccioli, which is penne pasta smothered in meat sauce and mozzarella, then baked. The decor is very warm, welcoming and filled with mouth watering aromas — classic old-world Italian. And with all that history, one can almost bet the crew at Bachhi’s catered for The Godfather Part II film crews who were on location nearby on Lake Tahoe’s West Shore.

BaCCHI’S INN

8515 Brook ave., Kings Beach530-546-0313

Not meant for large parties (La Mex, as the locals call it, seats about six) this hole-in-the-wall is a must-do stop for anyone who likes Mexican food and cheap prices. The most expensive plate on the menu is the Camarones a la Diablo (deviled shrimp prepared with chili de arbor and served with rice, beans and tortillas) for $9.99 and many à la carte items go for about $2 or $3. The flavors here are not homogenized to appeal to a Taco Beller, but are very genuine, sharp and fresh. And what’s even better is the terrific and authentic Mexican grocery store adjacent to the restaurant, which offers up fresh breads, spices and fresh meats prepared by a very under-appreciated butcher. Well, at least underappreciated until now. Located just off the main path through town, you’ll want to remember a visit to La Mex while in Tahoe.

La MExICaNa

4

5

536 Emerald Bay road, South Lake Tahoe530-542-1990For more information, visit evanstahoe.com

Don’t let this quaint white cabin exterior fool you. For more than 24 years, owners Evan and Candance Williams have been creating cuisine that belongs in a white house — the White House. Just to tease you ... two of the most popular items include the roasted venison with a pinot noir demi glade; and the breast of confit leg of duck with a Grand Marnier glace served with fruited Israeli cous cous. There are three fresh fish entrees each evening, all filleted and prepared by Chef Jimi Lasquete, who’s originally from Kauai. Evan’s also offers homemade pasta and gourmet pizza. The menu is daunting, not so much in price, but in that everything sounds so good — because it is.

EvaN’S aMErICaN GourMET CaFE

6

Bacchi’s Inn, located in the Lake Forest section of Tahoe City, has tons of Tahoe charm. Photo: Simone Grandmain

La Mexicana is located off the beaten path in Kings Beach — but we guarantee you’ll remember where it’s located after just one trip. Photo: Simone Grandmain

The panko chicken breast at Evan’s is to die for. Photo: Evan’s American Gourmet Cafe

108 WinTEr 2012/2013

775.832.7778120 Country Club Drive • Incline Village, NV

austinstahoe.com

Since 1991

Cuisine

Lunch Specials DailySeafood Specialties • Live Maine LobsterDungeness Crab • Vegetarian Dishes Thai Dishes • Combination Dinners • Full Bar

Fine Chinese"Voted Best Chinese Food!"

120 Country Club Drive, #62Incline Village, NV, Across from Hyatt

Open Seven DaysMon - Sat: 11:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m.

Sun: Noon -10:00 p.m.

(775) 833-3663

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner DailyHappy Hour 7 Days A Week 3 - 6 pm

Customized Catering(775) 833-1030

www.crosbyspub.com

Where the locals eat & play

IN CHRISTMAS TREE VILLAGE868 TAHOE BOULEVARD INCLINE VILLAGE, NV

• Full breakfast menu served 7 Days a Week

• Famous fresh squeezed juice cocktails

• New multi-play & multi denomination poker machines

• Eleven new HD Flat-Screen TVs

• Every sports TV package you can think of!

10046 donner Pass road, Truckee530-582-1040

When a patron was asked to describe this fine-dining establishment’s cuisine, his response was “cutting-edge.” He was spot-on. Imagine a rack of elk with medallions of 100-year-old garlic (a Korean delicacy), garlic chips, black mission figs and arancini fried risotto. The creations here are honed, focused, complex and all signature. You will rarely experience anything like it. When owners John and Nina Weatherson decided to move west from New York, they brought an amazing bounty of knowledge and skill with them, creating a boîte that is casual, but upscale. Most of the menu is gluten free, a feat made achievable with the multicourse serving menu which uses very little starch. “Trokay” is the Paiute word meaning “peaceful dialogue.” But the word is out — loud and clear.

2180 Lake Tahoe Blvd. South Lake Tahoe 530-600-2220For more information, visit primositalianbistro.com

Winter is the season for comfort food, and pasta is often one of the first things to come to mind. Primo’s Italian Bistro has perfectly cooked pasta made from scratch, from ravioli and linguine to lasagna noodles and casarecce, and topped with flavorful sauces. The menu also features classics such as eggplant Parmesan, calzones, meatballs and homemade pizzas, all served up in a cozy bistro setting. The staff is knowledgeable about the food and ready to make recommendations from the wine list. Service is prompt and, before you know it, you’ll be wiping the plate clean. After a day on the slopes, Primo’s homemade pasta will warm you up and fill your belly — and may leave you wanting more.

PrIMo’S ITaLIaN BISTro

7

8

Photo: Simone Grandmain

Enjoy tender slices of eggplant baked in a flavorful tomato sauce and topped with lots of Parmesan cheese.

TroKay CaFE

Or try Primo’s homemade baked ravioli.

TAHOE magazine 109

... and ours

Creative & Traditional Pasta Dishes | Seafood | Homemade Desserts

RESERVATIONS ONLINE scusalaketahoe.com

LIVE JAZZ FRIDAY- SATURDAY 530-542-0100

2543 Lake Tahoe Blvd/Hwy 50 at Sierra Blvd, So Lake Tahoe, CA

ITALIAN RISTORANTE

WE COOK FOR YOUR PLEASURE

f acebook .com/Himme lHausSLT

HimmelHausTahoe.com

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Best German Food in Tahoe

Over 30 Authent ic Bavarian Beers

WINTER HOURS

LUNCH 11 :30 AM - 4 :00 PM

MONDAY - SATURDAY

DINNER SERVED

4:00 PM - 9 :00 PM

MONDAY - SATURDAY

OPEN 10 :00 AM - LATE ON SUNDAYS

BAR OPEN T I L 2 :00 AM ON WEEKENDS

HOME OF THE 3 L I T E R STE IN

R E S TA U R A N T & B I E R H A U S

110 WinTEr 2012/2013

LakeTahoeTransit.comSquaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Northstar California, Homewood, Diamond Peak, Sugar Bowl, Donner Ski Ranch, Boreal, Soda Springs, Royal Gorge

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TAHOE magazine 111

“The Best Tasting, Most Authentic Mexican Food on the North Shore.”

Open 7 Days a Week

For Take-Out Call: (530) 546-0310

Custom Cut Meats including Carne AsadaFresh ProduceMexican Pastries & ChurrosMexican Soft DrinksBeer & LiquorGroceries & Ice

•

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TacosBurritos – try our famous Wet Burritos!Breakfast BurritosTortasChimichangas

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EnchiladasQuesadillasTamalesTostadasNachosChile RellenosVegetarian Dishes

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FREE MEXICAN TACO

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Management reserves right to rescind off er at any time. Exp 12/1/2013

112 WinTEr 2012/2013

red hut cafes2723 LAKE TAHOE BLvD., SOuTH LAKE TAHOE, 530-541-90243660 LAKE TAHOE BLvD., SOuTH LAKE TAHOE, 530-544-1595re d h u tc a f e. c o m Visitors to this family staple on Lake Tahoe’s South Shore who pair a cup of cocoa with a waffle have the ultimate “sweet on sweet” experience. Upgrade to the Gourmet Cocoa for Ghiradelli chocolate, steamed milk, whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

log caBIn cafe8692 NORTH LAKE BLvD., KINGS BEACH, 530-546-7109l o g c ab i n b rea k fa s t . c o m Offering three different hot chocolates, even the regular isn’t regular — but instead goes the extra mile with whipped cream, sprinkles and an animal cracker. The Mexican cocoa has vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon undertones, and the Peppermint cocoa sports flavored crushed candy canes.

wagon traIn coffee shopCOMMERCIAL ROW, DOWNTOWN TRuCKEE, 530-587-7574wa g o nt ra i n c o f f e e s h o p. c o m Rich, creamy, and at just the right temperature, owner Siobhan Smart often applies the famous mile-high whipped cream topping to the signature hot chocolate drink at the Wagon Train, famously known to “open at 5 a.m. until we get tired.” The secret to the restaurant’s perfectly whipped frothy recipe? “It’s all in the wrist,” Smart says. Smart, indeed.

rIVa grIll on the laKe900 SKI RuN BLvD., SOuTH LAKE TAHOE, 530-542-2600r i v a g r i l l . c o m “We’re fun, family friendly, with a great view” says manager Scott Craig. The restaurant also offers a delicious aprés ski drinks as well, a warm spinoff of its world-famous Wet Woody — the Warm Woody, which has a generous helping of St. Brendan’s Irish Cream and, therefore, is for adults only. The restaurant’s three-story river rock fireplace, however, is a treat for any age group. ◆

after a long day on the slopes, there are few things more comforting than sipping a delicious and savory hot cocoa drink. Below are five picks as to where to get one of these frothy mugs of goodness from our local restaurants all across the truckee/tahoe region. we hope you warm up to our suggestions.

austIn’s restaurant20 COuNTRy CLuB DRIvE, INCLINE vILLAGE, 775-832-7778a u s t i n s ta h o e. c o m Who says hot chocolate is just for children? The Chocolate Snowball at Austin’s is warmed up with Bacardi, Coconut Rum, Creme de Cocoa and Frangelico. But this family restaurant definitely offers a “kiddie-friendly” version as well, an unleaded treat topped with a chocolate kiss and whipped cream.

a l l o V e rFeelin’ Warm

By SIMONE GRANDMAINTAHOE MAGAZINE

TAHOE magazine 113

Burgers • Pizza • Sports18 TVs • 12 Beers on Tap

NFL • NCAA • MLB • NBA • NHL • NASCAR

HAPPY HOUREVERY DAY 3PM-6PM

Winter HoursSun-Thu 11:30am-9pm

Fri.& Sat. 11:30am-10pm

Corner of Palisades Dr. & Brockway Rd. (next to 7-11)

587-7777 • OPEN EVERY DAY

DOIN’ IT TRUCKEE

STYLE SINCE 2002

Award winning

Ribs and Chili

10144 West River Street • Truckee, CA530-550-7450 • jaxtruckee.com

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner • 7am - 10pm

Jax, now being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives!!!

Guy is Right!Perfect spot for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner

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America at it’s

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Giant Juicy hamburgers, amazing garden fresh saladsAward winn

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Ribs and Chili

Lunch, dinner & happy hour served with gorgeous lake

views every day.

3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd • South Lake TahoeBehind the Beach Retreat & Lodge

530.600.1846

/BoathouseTahoe

www.tahoebeachretreat.com

114 WinTEr 2012/2013

Let’s Toast to Winter!one of the best things about winter sports is the chance to come

inside, pour a drink and sit by a fire and relax. here are some fun

recipes to impress your friends, soothe your sore muscles and help

bring a warm glow to the evening. Cheers!

TAHOE MAGAZINE

Coffee drinks are highly underrated in the alcoholic beverage world. It’s the

perfect combination: caffeine and alcohol. Coffee drinks can give you a little pep in the evening so you can enjoy some of Tahoe’s nightlife after a full day of skiing. Or if you are scared of staying awake all night, there are plenty of other options.

nutty irishmanIn a coffee mug add:• 1 oz. Bailey’s• 1 oz. Frangelico liqueur• Fill with hot coffee• Garnish with whipped cream

and nutmeg

irish coffeeIn a coffee mug add:• 1 oz. Bailey’s• 1 oz. Irish whiskey• Fill with hot coffee• Garnish with whipped cream

mexican coffeeIn a coffee mug add:• 1 oz tequila• 1 oz Kahlua• Fill with hot coffee• Garnish with whipped cream

Jamaican coffeeIn a coffee mug add:• 1 oz. light rum• 1 oz. Tia Maria or Kahlua• Fill with hot coffee• Garnish with whipped cream

after dinner mintIn a coffee mug add:• 1/2 oz. white creme de menthe• 3/4 oz. peach liqueur• 1/2 oz. vodka• Fill with hot chocolate• Garnish with whipped cream

hot buttered rumIn a coffee mug add:• 2 oz. dark rum• 1 tsp. brown sugar• Pinch of nutmeg• Fill with hot water• Garnish with a cinnamon stick

and small floating pat of butter

hot apple ciderIn a coffee mug add:• 1 oz. spiced rum• Fill with hot apple cider• Garnish with a cinnamon stick

hot spiced WineCombine all the ingredients in a large saucepan, simmer for 13-15 minutes. Save some of the alcohol by not letting it come to a boil. Serve into coffee mugs.

• 1 bottle of red wine (merlot, pinot noir, or burgundy)

• 3 tbsp. honey• 3 cinnamon sticks• 1 tbsp. ground cloves• 1 piece (3-inch) of fresh ginger, • peeled and thinly sliced• 1 sliced orange• 1 sliced lemon• 1/2 cup sugar• Garnish with a cinnamon stick• and a splash of brandy

spicy bloody marysIn a large pitcher, stir together the tomato and orange juices, Worchestershire sauce, horseradish, lemon juice, hot pepper sauce and celery salt. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled.

• 1 46 oz. can tomato juice• 1 cup orange juice• 3 tbsp. prepared horseradish• 2 tbsp. lemon juice• 1 tsp. Tabasco sauce• 1 tsp. celery salt• To serve, fill large glasses with

ice. Pour 1 shot of vodka over the ice. Add 1 cup of the tomato mixture.

• Garnish with freshly ground pepper and a celery stick.

hot martini• 1 oz. gin• 1 oz. pepper vodka• dashes of extra dry vermouth• 1 olive for garnish• 1 small pickled pepper• 1 large martini olive• 1 cup ice cubes• Put the ice in a cocktail shaker

Add the gin and vodka to the ice and shake lightly (5 to 8 shakes)

• Add vermouth and shake again • Place a strainer over the shaker

and pour the mixture into a chilled martini glass

• Garnish with an olive and a pickled pepper

TAHOE magazine 115

Call ahead for our speedy service!

Check out our special deals on Facebook and Twitter!

Open Daily 11am-9pm • Free Parking530.587.8852

10418 Donner Pass Rd.burgermetruckee.com

775.737.94046280 Sharlands Ave. #101

burgermereno.com

Next to 7 Eleven and the CinemaIncline Village • 775-831-2832

Mesquite Rotisserie

901 Tahoe Blvd. #3

T’sOpen Daily 11:00 - 8:00

Heavenly Himmel HausThe restaurant, which means “heaven house” in German, was

named after its location at the bottom of Heavenly Mountain.

The new restaurant not only offers traditional food, but also

six beers on tap and a total of 30 original German and Belgian

beers, such as Weihenstephaner, Paulaner and Hofbräu

München. Himmel Haus is located at 3819 Saddle Road in

South Lake Tahoe across from Heavenly’s California Lodge.

Visit www.himmelhaustahoe.com for more information.

Squaw Valley Le ChamoisA local’s favorite and a classic aprés experience, Le Chamois

serves delicious pizza, ice cold beer, and is a friendly place to

hang out. This classic Squaw Valley locale, has been a stand-

ing tradition for many of the local skiers and snowboarders to

grab a drink and unwind after a full day on the slopes.

Le Chamois is the perfect place to share some beers with your

friends with and share a few laughs with some of the

Squaw Valley locals. For more information, please visit

www.squawchamois.com.

Fun Places to Après Ski

116 WinTEr 2012/2013

PumPkin Cake

Cakes By GraCe

The smell of cinnamon and pumpkin is in the air, a safe sign that winter has arrived at the lake. And what would winter be without a real pumpkin pie? Pumpkin cake is a traditional sweet dessert, often baked during the fall and early winter, especially for Thanksgiving and Christmas as a real native of North America.

One baker on the South Shore has a special way of baking and decorating her version of the dessert. Grace Gore, who owns “Cakes By Grace” in Stateline, Nev., decorates her cakes with pinecones and little ice crystals, made out of chocolate to make it look like a real snowy winter day.

Gore said that pumpkin is definitely a comfort food with all the spices. “It’s supposed to be a way to the man’s heart,” she said. That’s why the dessert is perfect for the upcoming romantic wintertime. Gore said that this cake is really quick to make and there is not much science to it.

By SuSANNE HAALA TAHOE MAGAZINE

Cozy winter temperatures have arrived at the lake, along with the season for festive dinners and delightful desserts. Sweet cakes, pastries and cookies are perfect for the time of the year, and some bakers around the lake have disclosed their secret recipes. TradiTional PumPkin Cake

4 eggs (beaten)1 cup oil2 cups canned pumpkin puree, nonspice

Mix with:2 cups flour2 teaspoons baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

For the cream cheese frosting:2 8-ounce packages of cream cheese2 cubes butter (room temperature)

Mix well and add:1-1 1/2 pounds powdered sugarAdd 1-2 tablespoons milk to reach desired consistency

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix all the ingredients for the batter together and place in a 9-inch-by-13-inch pan or two 8-inch round pans. Bake the cake for about 20 to 25 minutes.

Once the cake has cooled, decorate. Gore dips the edges of small pinecones in melted white chocolate and places them on the cake after the cream cheese frosting has been spread evenly over the cake.

Cakes By Grace is located on 152-B US Highway 50 in Stateline, Nev.

WinTer desserTs from around The l ake

PHOTOS: SuSANNE HAALA

TAHOE magazine 117

Don’s ReD VelVet Cake Cakes By The lake

The most traditional cake around Christmas or winter is still red velvet cake. Don Ewing, owner and manager of “Cakes by the Lake” in South Lake Tahoe, said that the red velvet is a chocolate cake created at the Waldorf-Astoria in the 1920s.

The myth is that the red is developed from a chemical reaction between the acid present in cocoa powder and an alkaline (usually baking soda) which creates a slight red hue by bringing out the anthocyanin (red color naturally present in cocoa), but just enough to give the cake a red color.

In days gone by, the deep red color that created the trademark red velvet was brought on by the use of boiled beets used to retain moisture. Most present-day recipes use rich chocolate cake and red food coloring. Red velvet is often available in winter because, where light fruit dessert equals summer, rich chocolate cake with cream-cheese filling and icing makes for a heavy dessert often consumed in winter.

Baker Don did not shy away from giving out the famous recipe:

red VelVeT Cake

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups sugar 1 tablespoon cocoa 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 eggs 1 1/2 cups oil 1 cup buttermilk 1 tablespoon vinegar 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 oz. red food coloring

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans.

Lightly stir eggs in a medium bowl with a wire whisk. Add remaining liquid ingredients and stir together with whisk until blended. Set aside.

Place all the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir with wire whisk. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix on medium-high for about a minute or until completely combined. Pour into cake pans and then tap pans on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.

Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool for about 10 minutes, remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack. Cover in plastic wrap while the cakes cool. Cakes may be wrapped and frozen until ready to use.

Cream Cheese frosTinG

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 1 cup butter, room temperature 1 teaspoon vanilla 6 cups confectioners’ sugar

Sift sugar and set aside.

Beat cream cheese and butter on high until creamy. Add vanilla.

Then, add the sugar in batches. Scrape down the sides in between each addition.

Fill and frost cake.

Don’s “Cakes by the Lake” is located in South Lake Tahoe on 661 Emerald Bay Road No. 1.


118 WinTEr 2012/2013

Vanille kiPfeRl/sPitzbuben & GeRman manDelhoeRnChen

ernie’s inTernaTional PasTries

With a lot of European charm and a sweet sense of humor, Ernie’s International Pastries owners Ernie and Marika Feld spoil visitors and locals with high-quality pastries that originate from all over Europe. Since they opened the bakery in Incline Village in 1975, Ernie and his wife have delivered and sold goodies and become well known for their creative cookies.

Ernie is originally from Czech Republic and his wife is from Budapest, Hungary. Over the years, the couple baked a variety of recipes, including traditional Austrian Vanille Kipferl and Spitzbuben, also known as raspberry roses and, of course, Mandelhoernchen, or Almond-Chocolate Horseshoes, a traditional German almond cookie, which Europeans typically bake around Christmastime.

ausTrian Vanille kiPferl and sPiTzBuBen (rasPBerry roses)(Makes up to 100 pieces)

Ernie said to use the simple 1-2-3-rule for the dough:1 pound sugar2 pounds butter or margarine3 pounds flour Mixed with:10 whole eggs

For the outside:Powdered sugar(Bittersweet chocolate)(Raspberry) jam for Spitzbuben

Slowly knead to a smooth dough with all the ingredients, flatten the dough, and make it one round piece, and put it on a plate in the fridge for a maximum of two hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Take out the dough and form finger-long moon shapes and place them on a tray two inches apart. Bake the Kipferl for up to 15 minutes, but check after about 10 minutes; they are done if they have a rose pink color. Let them cool off for a few minutes and roll them carefully in powdered sugar. You can also cover the ends in bittersweet chocolate.

For the Spitzbuben:Cut out rose shapes. Half of the forms will need a hole in the middle. Bake them the same way as the Kipferl and let them cool off.

Scatter powdered sugar over the ones that have a hole. Cover each of the bottom roses with raspberry jam and top with a roses that has a hole. Important: Cover the roses first with powdered sugar so you can see the jam.

German mandelhoernChen (almond ChoColaTe horseshoes)

1 pound powdered sugar1 pound fine ground almonds or almond pasteEgg whiteSlivered/sliced almonds

Mix the powdered sugar with the almonds in a medium bowl with a hand mixer, adding egg white until the dough gets a softness that can be compared to play dough, Ernie said.

If the dough is still too dry, keep adding egg white with a tablespoon until the mixture is easily shapeable. Do not use more than 1 ounce of egg white. Form the dough into one round piece and refrigerate for a maximum of two hours.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Form moon shapes and roll each piece in the chopped almonds, making them into little logs that are between 5 and 6 inches long. Bake each sheet for 15-20 minutes. They are done when they turn a beige color. Let them cool off and dip the ends in melted bittersweet chocolate. They need three minutes in the freezer to dry.

Ernie’s International Pastries is located at 120 Country Club Drive in Incline Village.

TAHOE magazine 119

linzeR toRteBy Tahoe house Bakery & GourmeT

One of them comes from Tahoe City, and is the famous Linzer Torte, baked at the Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet. Despite the fact that this pastry is named for the Austrian town of Linz, it is a common sight in many a Swiss bakery. The Swiss love anything that will complement afternoon coffee and a Linzer Torte is a great option.

“I think of Linzer Torte as a holiday dessert because the smell of cloves and cinnamon always make me think of Christmas and tree trimming,” said Barbara Vogt Melrose, baker and co-owner of Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet. “We used to have this for a treat on Christmas morning while opening our gifts. I still send them out to friends at the holidays.”

linzer TorTe(Makes one 9 inch tart) 1 1/4 cup butter, softened2/3 cup granulated sugar2 eggs2 cups + 1 tablespoons all-purpose flour11 ounces grated almonds2 teaspoons baking powder1 teaspoon cinnamon1/2 teaspoon clove powder1 cup seedless raspberry marmalade (If you can’t find seedless rasp-berry jam, just pass the seeded jam through a fine mesh strainer.)1 egg beaten with a pinch of salt

In a mixer, cream the butter and sugar together. Add the eggs and combine. Scrape down and add the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and clove. Mix. Add the almonds and mix only until combined. Do not overmix.

Rest dough in the refrigerator for a least one hour. On a floured surface, roll out dough to approximately 1/8-inch thick. Grease a 9-inch tart pan. Line the pan with the rolled-out dough. Fit it into the pan and cut off excess dough. Using the back of a large soup spoon, cover all but the outside inch of the dough with raspberry jam. You will have a large circle of jam surrounded by a ring of bare dough. Roll out the remaining dough to 1/8-inch thick by about 8 inches wide. Cut long, even, 1/4-inch strips with a pizza cutter. Place on top of the jam approximately 1 inch apart, then alternate to make a lattice design. Roll out the leftover dough scraps into a long even rope about the thickness of your index finger. Place along the edge of the cake pan, making sure that the ends meet. Using a fork, make a lined design on the rope while flattening the border. Brush the egg mixture evenly over the entire torte. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 25-30 minutes. Crust will be golden brown and the jam will start to bubble when it is done.

This dessert will keep for up to two weeks if wrapped in plastic and stored in a cool place.

Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet is located at 625 West Lake Blvd. in Tahoe City. ◆

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120 WinTEr 2012/2013

By TRISHA LEONARDTAHOE MAGAZINE

EONARDAZINE

C h a l l e n G eT o T h e

Anyone who has ever tried baking at high altitude knows it can be tricky. “Anytime I teach a class, I tell my students, ‘It’s not your fault; blame it all on the altitude,’” said Susan G. Purdy, author of “Pie in the

Sky,” a book about baking at high altitude.

Purdy went on a quest to figure out how baking changes at higher altitudes and the result was a book full of tips and tables to help others make the things they love turn out right, regardless of elevation. “It’s not just a one-size-fits-all thing,” she said.

Barbara Melrose, owner of Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet in Tahoe City, said figuring out the right combination is a process. “It’s kind of an experimenting thing,” she said. “Everything we’ve adapted, we’ve started with smaller batches.”

For many bakers, adjusting recipes to high altitude is a labor of love. “It’s a lot of hard work. You’ve really got to enjoy what you’re doing,” said Lee Dufresne, owner of The Treat Box Bakery in Truckee.

For those struggling at home, here are a few tips to help your creations turn out as well as you hope.

increase baking time and temperature The higher you go, the cooler the temperature at which water boils. At sea level, water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit; but it boils about one degree cooler for every 500 feet you go. Many of the communities at Lake Tahoe are between 5,500 feet and 6,500 feet. At 5,500 feet, water boils at 202.4 degrees F; 6,000 it boils at 201.5 degrees; and 6,500 at 200.6 degrees. Because of this, when using cookbooks developed for use at sea level, you’ll need to increase the baking temperature about 15 to 25 degrees and increase the baking and cooking times.

add more flour and egg whites Because air pressure is reduced, surface tension on batters is reduced, which causes more evaporation. When liquid evaporates from a cake batter, it leaves a higher concentration of fat, sugar and flour, which changes the chemical balance and can cause things to collapse after baking. Add more flour and egg whites to strengthen proteins and reduce sugar, which weakens protein in flour. Baked goods need to be strong to hold up while baking, otherwise they’ll want to rise too much, then will crash as they cool.

increase acidity Using buttermilk instead of regular milk will help batter set more quickly during baking. To make buttermilk, put one tablespoon of lemon juice into a one-cup measuring cup and fill it up the rest of the way with milk. Let stand for 5 minutes.

reduce leavening agents Because there is less air pressure at higher altitudes, baked goods rise quickly and can often collapse when they cool. To compensate for the altitude, use less baking soda and baking powder. At 5,000 feet, use 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon less, and at 7,000 use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon less. Always punch down breads once or twice more often at altitude and/or let rise overnight in the fridge and

bring it back to room temperature the next day before continuing the recipe. The more you let bread dough rise, the more the flavor develops.

use a tube pan Using a tube pan helps bring up the heat in the middle of a cake or quick bread and will make it set much more quickly. Always grease and flour pans carefully at altitude, because otherwise baked goods will stick to the pan.

never whip egg whites to stiff peaks When you whip egg whites, you’re putting air in them — think of them as having tiny balloons inside. “Heat makes them grow,” Purdy said. “If there’s so much air that the little balloons are fully expanded then, when they’re in the heat of the oven, they’ll grow and then pop.” Whipping them to stiff peaks means the “balloons” are fully expanded and won’t have any room to grow in the oven. They will burst and cause baked goods to collapse. At attitude, do not whip whites to stiff peaks; instead, whip egg whites only until the top forms a soft, droopy peak when the beater is lifted to allow room for expansion, which will keep baked goods fully risen.

add more extract When you inhale, moisture carries droplets of flavor through to your palate. Increased elevation means flavors are perceived as weaker than they are at sea level because dry air prevents you from smelling and tasting the way you might at sea level. Add more extract and flavoring such as fruit zest to help give baked goods the flavor you desire. ◆

Tips from Susan G. Purdy, author of “Pie in the Sky,” published by William Morrow Cookbooks. “Pie in the Sky” can be purchased at Amazon.com. For more information about baking at high altitude, visit www.highaltitudebaking.com.

TAHOE magazine 121

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entertainment & music

S o, you woke up early, schlepped your gear to the hill, skied some tasty snow, had the obligatory aprés-drink and are sitting back home, too tired to get far from the warm glow

of the fireplace? Perfect. Outside is definitely the place to be at Lake Tahoe, but sometimes — like during a blizzard — sitting inside in front of the television isn’t so bad. But that reality doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying the lake and the sports it offers. Lake Tahoe and the quirky ski culture that surrounds it have gotten plenty of screen time over the years. Here are some movies that either feature Lake Tahoe or have ties to its most well-known winter activities.

HOT DOG ... THE MOvIE (1984) — The gold standard in campy ’80s ski movies, “Hot Dog ... The Movie” is a must-see for anyone interested in the good ol’ days of skiing — or at least how they were portrayed by Hollywood. Filmed at Lake Tahoe, primarily at Squaw Valley, “Hot Dog” includes a familiar theme of likable, underdog dirt bags battling smug, well-heeled rich folk for skiing supremacy. The movie features quite a bit of on-hill action, including versions of skiing that still make appearances (Chinese downhills) and plenty that don’t (Ski ballet). The movie is available on DVD and is also available for free online at http://unofficialnetworks.com/hotdog/. Rated R.

FROZEN (2010) — This campy horror flick has nothing to do with Lake Tahoe, other than its ski resort setting. Much of “Frozen” is laughably bad, but the “group of friends stuck on a chairlift after the resort closes” plotline is well-conceived enough to play on that nagging feeling in the back of chairlift riders’ minds that wonders “What if I get stuck up here?” The answer: Wolves. Rated R.

MISERy (1990) — Unlike “Frozen,” “Misery” is a legitimately scary movie featuring Kathy Bates playing an obsessed fan of an author she rescues, and then imprisons, following a car crash. We’re dealing with Stephen King here, so the mental anguish grows as the movie progresses and the sledgehammer scene is as hard to watch as ever. The level of cabin fever in this flick can make even the viewer claustrophobic. In other words, “Misery” provides plenty of motivation to get out of the house. The movie includes shots from around the Lake Tahoe region. Where the author in the movie, played by actor James Caan, crashes was filmed at Donner Pass, near Tahoe’s North Shore. Rated R.

A vIEW TO KILL (1985) — Actors to play James Bond: Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Tom Sims, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan. Wait. Tom Sims? That’s right, this Moore-era Bond movie features recently deceased snowboarding pioneer Tom Sims dropping a monster cliff, skimming a pond and generally showing all the squares how James Bond gets down on a snowboard, all while being chased by three automatic weapon-wielding skiers. Somewhere, some snowboarder (or skier) has had this dream. Totally radical. Rated PG.

A GuIDE TO SOME OF LAKE

TAHOE’S CAMEOS AND SKIING’S

CAMPy CLASSICS

Winter Watch

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

By ADAM JENSENTAHOE MAGAZINE

TAHOE magazine 123

Movie screenshots from http://www.imdb.com. Films produced by MGM, Columbia Pictures, A Bigger Boat,

universal Pictures, New Line Cinema and Paramount Pictures.

OuT COLD (2001) — “Out Cold” may not be quite as beloved as the Hot Dogs of the world, but this update to the ski comedy genre is worth a look for a couple of decent snowboarding scenes and plenty of (mildly) humorous comedic action. As for the plot? Character Stumpy sums up the small town-meets-big development tension. “I was there. Yeah, it was called the ’80s. Ford was President, Nixon was in the White House and FDR was running this country into the ground. I was bummin’ in a hole-in-a-wall town in what is now called Utah. Some fella from Colorado shows up, starts making so-called ‘improvements,’ right? Before we knew what hit us, the streets are running with latte.’” Rated PG-13.

SKI PATROL (1990) — An unheralded classic from the golden age of eye-rolling ski flicks, “Ski Patrol” boasts a few highlights between the standard-issue love story, including an out-of-control snowboarder with a split personality, comedian George Lopez’s first acting credit as explosives expert Eddie and the now familiar plotline of a much-beloved ski resort threatened with purchase by corporate interests (see: “Out Cold”). Still stuck in the early-’90s, Ski Patrol has not been released on DVD, but can be found online through services like Netflix. Rated PG.

DuMB AND DuMBER (1994) — This classic buddy flick features Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels taking a road trip to a little place called Aspen. This comedy features relatively little skiing, but includes some awesome do’s and don’ts of the ski world, as in do take your skis off before walking into the lodge, don’t stick your tongue to the metal chairlift and do wear a spandex ski racing suit whenever possible. The movie also provides some unforgettable slope-side quotations that just about any ski bum can relate to. Case in point: “I said, ‘Do you love me?’ and she said, ‘No, but that’s a really nice ski mask.’” Rated PG-13.

GODFATHER: PART II (1974) — An all around classic and possibility the best gangster movie ever made, “Godfather: Part II” includes Lake Tahoe among its backdrops. The winner of the 1975 Academy Award for best picture, the movie used Fleur de Lac, the historic West Shore estate of Henry J. Kaiser, as a setting. The private development is still around, but not open to tours. The estate is popular as a sight-seeing stop on Lake Tahoe boat cruises as the weather warms up. Rated R. For a taste of Lake Tahoe’s actual mafia history, check out Scott Lankford’s book “Tahoe Beneath the Surface.” ◆

124 WinTEr 2012/2013

A huge variety of live music & entertainment can easily be found all around the lake and in Truckee ... here’s some info to help you start

making plans for this winter.

musicmusicmusictahoeSomething for everyone!

Award-winning American blues, gospel, and rock singer, songwriter and guitarist Jonny Lang will perform at Harrah’s South Shore Room on Jan. 12.


TAHOE magazine 125

HARRAH’S LAKE TAHOEHarrah’s South Shore Room, 15 Hwy. 50, Stateline. 775-588-6611See the most current schedule and details at: southshoreroom.comHarrah’s South Shore Room tickets are available through Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com and at the Box Office located at the entrance to the showroom. For Ticketmaster phone orders, please call either 800-745-3000 or 866-448-7849. Tickets are also available via www.southshoreroom.com.

Nov. 23 & 24 Beatles vs. Stones - A Musical Shootout 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $22

Dec. 8 Night Ranger 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $41.80 Dec. 15 Christmas with Aaron Neville 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $44

Dec. 21 Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker Tickets: $77 Dec. 22 Asleep at the Wheel 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $36.30

Dec. 28 Robert Randolph & The Family Band /Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe 7:00 p.m. Tickets: $44

Jan, 5 Tainted Love 7:30 p.m. Tickets: 22

Jan. 12 Jonny Lang 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $61.60

CRySTAL BAy CASINO14 State Route 28, Crystal Bay, 775-831-0521. See the latest musical line-up at crystalbaycasino.comTicket prices & showtimes to be announced.

Dec. 14 The Saddle Tramps

Dec. 16 Dragon Smoke: Ican Neville, Stanton Moore, Eric Lindell and Robert Mercurio

Dec. 29 Jackie Greene Band & the Mother Hips Dec. 30 Jackie Greene solo Dec. 31 Jackie Greene Band Jan. 4 Afrobeat

Jan. 5 New Monsoon Jan. 11 The Brothers Comatose

Jan. 31 Paul Thorn

Asleep at the Wheel is an American country music group that have won nine Grammy Awards.They will be entertaining audiences on Dec. 22 at Harrah’s South Shore Room.

Folk and rock star Jackie Greene returns for the second straight year to play three nights during New year’s Eve at the Crystal Bay Casino.

Country singer-songwriter Paul Thorn plays the Crystal Bay Casino Jan. 30.

Lake Tahoe Action’s 2012 Band of the year the Dead Winter Carpenters play Americana rock with a mighty mean fiddle. Look for them performing throughout the winter at various local venues.

126 WinTEr 2012/2013

MONTBLEu CASINO RESORT 55 Hwy. 50, Stateline, 888-829-7630. See the most current schedule at montbeuresort.com.

Nov. 17, 2012 Joan Jett and The BlackheartsCatch Rock n’ Roll legend Joan Jett live in concert with her band, The Black-hearts. Joan Jett has an astonishing eight platinum and gold albums and nine Top 40 singles over her career, including the classics, “I Love Rock N’ Roll,”, “Bad Reputation”, and “I Hate Myself For Loving You.” Doors are at 8:00pm, show begins at 9:00 pm. Tickets are $50 (not including taxes/fees) and are available online at montbleuresort.com, Ticketmaster.com, the MontBleu Box Office, or by calling 1-888-829-7630. MontBleu Theatre

Nov. 23, 2012 Taboo from the Black Eyed PeasCatch a live performance and DJ set by Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas in the MontBleu Theatre! With pumping hits and mixes of today’s hottest music, the Theatre will transform into a massive dance club. Doors are at 8:00pm, show begins at 9:00pm. Tickets are $29.50 (not including taxes/fees) and are available online at montbleuresort.com, Ticketmas-ter.com, the MontBleu Box Office, or by calling 1-888-829-7630. In the MontBleu Theatre.

Dec. 1, 2012 Winter Ignite w/ Heavenly

Dec. 15, 2012 Daniel ToshWildly popular stand-up comedian and television host of the hit Comedy Central video clip show, Tosh.O, Daniel Tosh returns to MontBleu with his acclaimed act for a one night only show on December 15. Doors open at 8:00pm, show starts at 9:00pm. Tickets are $55 – $75 (not including taxes and fees). dult material (18+ show). MontBleu Theatre.

Dec. 21, 2012 End of the World PartyWe’re partying like there’s no tomorrow! Come celebrate the Mayan cal-endar’s End of the World at Opal Ultra Lounge and go out in style! Offer-ing $1 Fireballs, Zombies & Armageddon drink specials, sexy Go-Go Danc-ers, and an amazing costume party! Doors at 10:00 pm. In Opal Ultra Lounge.

Dec. 28 – 31, 2012 Snowglobe After PartiesMontBleu Theatre

Dec. 31, 2012 New Year’s Eve PartyRing in the New Year in style with one of the largest New Year’s Eve par-ties in the Lake Tahoe Basin! Come dressed to impress with our sexy and upscale Brazilian themed party featuring traditional caipirinha drinks. For one great price, you’ll get access to all four party areas including Opal Ultra Lounge, Blu Nightclub, the Grand Ballroom in the Convention Cen-ter, and The Zone & Party Pit. Live music from Pop Fiction as well as DJs in each of the locations will keep the party dancing all night. Tickets are $55 in advance, $75 the day of the party (not including taxes and fees). Tick-ets are available online at montbleuresort.com, the MontBleu Box Office, or by calling 1-888-829-7630. In the Opal Ultra Lounge, Blu Nightclub, Convention Center, and The Zone & Party Pit.

Mar. 17, 2013 St. Patrick’s Day Pool PartyCelebrate the luck of the Irish with a St. Patrick’s Day themed pool party! Onsen Spa & Nightclub. ◆

Live music, DJs, dancing & more parties...

Pop Fiction

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128 WinTEr 2012/2013

The magic man

128 WinTEr 2012/2013

tahoe venuesCottonwood Restaurant & Bar Enjoy free live acoustic music on Thursday & Fridays starting at 7 p.m. in the comfy Fireplace Room. 10142 Rue Hilltop, off Brockway Road, Truckee. 530-587-5711. cottonwoodrestaurant.com

Crystal Bay Casino The Crown Room in the Crystal Bay Casino is equipped with a state-of-the art sound system and plasma video screens. The Red Room offers a more intimate setting. Quality entertainment at an affordable price. 14 State Route 28, Crystal Bay, 775-831-0521. See the latest music line-up at crystalbaycasino.com

Harrah’s South Shore Room Headliner musicians perform regularly throughout the year in this 750 seat show-room. There’s not a bad seat in the house. Located inside Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, 15 Hwy 50, Stateline. 775-588-6611. southshoreroom.com.

Harvey’s Cabo Wabo Cantina Enjoy some of the best margaritas in the west and free live music in the lounge. Located downstairs in Harvey’s Casino in Stateline. harveystahoe.com

MontBleu Resort Casino On the main floor you’ll find Del Soul restaurant with live music from top performers com-bined with a fun dance setting. 55 Hwy 50, Stateline, 888-829-7630. See the current schedule at montbeuresort.com.

Moody’s Bistro, Bar & Beats Jazz inspired musicians play regularly in this 50’s style restaurant and bar featuring Northern California cuisine. Located in the historic Truckee Hotel. 10007 Bridge Street, Truckee, 530-587-8688. See the full schedule at moodysbistro.com The Fresh Ketch Enjoy live jazz and easy listening music in the lounge. 2435 Venice Drive in the Tahoe Keys Marina, South Lake Tahoe, 530-541-5683. thefreshketch.com.

Pick up the free, weekly issue of lake tahoe action for the most current listings of entertainment around the lake.

This is just a partial listing of many places to see live music around the lake.

‘ILLuSIon FuSIon’ For FAmILy entertAInment

“Illusion Fusion,” the high-energy theatrical production show starring magician Alex Ramon, has indefinitely extended its full schedule of shows at Horizon Casino Resort.

The show runs six nights a weeks at 8 p.m., and is dark on Wednes-days. “Illusion Fusion” features world-class magic, sleight-of-hand, never-before-seen illusions and hilarious comedy.

“The public has really embraced this show, and has given it spec-tacular 5-Star reviews on sites like Yelp, and guests rave about it on their comments to us”, Corinna Osborne, the general manager of Horizon Casino Resort, said. “We are thrilled that the show is stay-ing put indefinitely as we roll out plans to promote great packages and promotions throughout the year.”

“We are thrilled by the overwhelming response of the show”, said co-producer Tony Clark. “Alex Ramon is a true star, and we are lucky to have him in Lake Tahoe sitting down with Illusion Fusion for so long now.”

Ramon has performed in front of millions around the world, per-forming on four continents in 14 countries. He’s was the first ma-gician in history to star as the “Magical Zingmaster” for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus, The Greatest Show on Earth. Alex also toured the globe as the star of Disney Live!

“Illusion Fusion staring Alex Ramon” runs nightly in the intimate setting of the Golden Cabaret inside the Horizon Casino Resort. Tickets are $24.95. Tickets are available online at www.ticketfly.com, or by calling the Horizon at 775-588-6211. Become a Face-book fan for prizes, contests and giveaways, www.facebook.com/Il-lusionFusion. ◆


TAHOE magazine 129

A T R O P I C A N A E N T E R T A I N M E N T C A S I N O | T R O P I C A N A C A S I N O S . C O M

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NovemberNov. 23 Gingerbread Village Unveiling and Grand Tree Lighting Ceremony, 5-8 p.m. View the Gingerbread Village

Unveiling and enjoy the Grand Tree Lighting Ceremony featuring a

visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus, Olympic Gold Medalist Jonny Mose-

ley and local skier Amie Engerbretson. Sleigh rides at the porte

cochere take place 4:30-8:30 p.m. and youth will skate to seasonal

music. Resort at Squaw Creek, 400 Squaw Creek Road, Olympic

Valley, 530-583-6615, www.magicalsquawcreek.com.

Nov. 24 Tahoe City Holiday Hop Kick-off Shop Local 2013 in Tahoe City at local businesses from 3-6 p.m. and enjoy

complimentary beverages, photos with Santa and more through-

out downtown Tahoe City, 530-583-3348, www.VisitTahoeCity.

com.

c A l E N d A R o f E v E N T s - n o r t h s h o r e

Downtown TruckeeHoliday Festival

Nov. 30 The holidays come to life in Historic Downtown

Truckee as downtown lights up! Tree decorating by local

school children, holiday music, hot chocolate, candy

canes and of course, Santa Claus! Join the Downtown

Truckee Merchants and celebrate the spirit of the season.

Historic downtown Truckee, California Welcome Center,

Commercial Row, www.HistoricTruckee.com.

Hot Pick

TAHOE magazine 131

Noel Nights in the Village at Northstar

Dec. 6, 13 and 20 Guests of all ages are invited to

participate in the Noel Nights holiday tradition in the

Village at Northstar, 5-8 p.m. the first three Thursdays in

Dec. Enjoy s’mores by the fire, free ice skating, hot cocoa,

shopping specials, holiday carolers, photos with Santa and

more. Northstar California, 5001 Northstar Drive, Truckee,

1-800-GO-NORTH, www.NorthstarCalifornia.com.

Nov. 28, Dec. 5 and 12 Local School Performances

Join proud locals and parents for performances by students from

Glenshire Elementary, Truckee Elementary and Truckee High

School, 5-6 p.m., Resort at Squaw Creek, 400 Squaw Creek Road,

Olympic Valley, 530-583-6115, www.magicalsquawcreek.com.

Nov. 29 Sierra Nevada College Annual Winter Concert Donna Axton and Choir will host the annual SNC Winter Concert

at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church beginning at 7 p.m. St. Patrick’s

Episcopal Church, 341 Village Blvd., Incline Village, 775-831-1314,

www.sierranevada.edu.

Nov. 30 Holly Days Jubilee — Town Tree Lighting, Heritage

Plaza, Tahoe City, www.visittahoecity.org.

Nov. 30 Writers in the Woods Series Kelle Groom, winner of

the Library Journal Best Memoir of 2011 for “I Wore the Ocean in

the Shape of a Girl,” will do a reading and presentation 7-9 p.m.

in TCES 139-141. Kelle is also serving as the College’s Writer in

Residence 2012-13 and doing a Writing Workshop with a limited

audience. For information email [email protected].

Tahoe Center Environmental Sciences, 291 County Club Drive,

Incline Village, 775-831-1314, www.sierranevada.edu.

DecemberDec. 1 Holidays Jubilee — Photos with Santa, Heritage Plaza,

Tahoe City, www.visittahoecity.org.

Dec. 1 Breakfast with Santa & Craft Bazaar Join the

Tahoe City Parks and Recreation Department, the Rotary Club of

Tahoe City, and of course, Santa in a morning full of food and

fun, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. A pancake breakfast, crafts for the

kids, holiday shopping for the parents, gifts from Santa, and much

more will surely provide something for everyone. Craft vendors

will be on hand with lots of handmade crafts to help you kick off

the holiday shopping. Rideout Community Center, 740 Timberland

Lane, Tahoe City, 530-583-3440, www.tcpud.org.

Dec. 1 Handmade Sierra Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts Show Just in time for the holidays, Sierra College Tahoe Truckee

presents an emporium of handcrafted wares by local fine art-

ists and craftspeople at the Second Annual Handmade Holiday

event on campus, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sponsored by More Creative,

the College’s Student Art Club, the festive event will include live

music, food, and a variety of artworks for sale in all price ranges.

For more information email [email protected]. Sierra

College Tahoe Truckee, 11001 College Trail, Truckee, www.sierra-

college.edu/about-us/visit/tahoe-truckee/index.php.

Dec. 1 Sierra Nevada College Annual Winter Concert Donna Axton and Choir will host the annual SNC Winter Concert

at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church beginning at 7 p.m. St. Patrick’s



Dec. 7 First Fridays (First Friday each month) First Fridays is a

community event where locals and visitors alike are encouraged to

explore and discover Historic Downtown Truckee, 5-8 p.m. Enjoy

artist receptions, live music, demonstrations, shopping specials,

food and beverages and much more. Look for the First Fridays

flags! Historic downtown Truckee, www.HistoricTruckee.com.


Hot Pick

132 WinTEr 2012/2013

Learn to Ski & BoardWeekend at Various Resorts

Dec. 8-9 Learn more on the North Shore. First timers can

get a taste of the thrill of skiing or riding at their resort

of choice. This special program offers gear rental (skiing

or boarding), a group lesson and beginner’s lift ticket all

for $30 per day. Offer valid at: Sugar Bowl, Squaw Valley,

Alpine Meadows, Granlibakken, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Boreal

Mountain Resort and Granlibakken Resort. Participating

resorts may change due to weather and mountain condi-

tions. For current conditions call your resort of choice,

530-581-6900, www.gotahoenorth.com.

DecemberDec. 7 Sierra Nevada College Holiday Gala The SNC

Holiday Gala at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe. See website for

ticket information or call Leroy Hardy at 775-881-7519. Hyatt

Regency Lake Tahoe, 111 Country Club Drive, Incline Village, 775-

831-1314, www.sierranevada.edu.

Dec. 8 Brunch with Santa The annual Brunch with Santa

features Santa, Mrs. Claus and elves as well as brunch, arts and

crafts, photos and lots of fun to kick off the holiday season for

children. This collaborative community event is presented by Tahoe

Family Solutions and IVGID. For tickets call 775-298-0004. The

Chateau, 955 Fairway Blvd., Incline Village, 775-298-0004, www.

Tahoefamily.org.

Dec. 8 Toys for Tots Crab Feed Join your friends and neigh-

bors to support Toys for Tots. Bring your new unwrapped toy and

enjoy the annual Rookies Crab Feed and support the community

collection for Toys for Tots. Event starts at 1 p.m. Rookies Sports

Bar, 930 Tahoe Blvd., Raley’s Center, Incline Village, 775-831-9008.

Dec. 8-9 North Lake Tahoe Learn to Ski & Ride Celebration Learn to ski and snowboard at Squaw Valley and

Alpine Meadows. Learn the basics and feel comfortable on the

slopes. Before you know it, you’ll be making turns and falling

in love with the sport. Sqauw Valley, 1960 Squaw Valley Road,

Olympic Valley, 800-403-0206, www.squaw.com/things-to-do/

events-calendar/north-lake-tahoe-learn-ski-ride.

Dec. 8-9 “Sing Christmas” Truckee Tahoe Community Chorus

of Sierra College Presents a choral event in the Alpine Ballroom

at Resort at Squaw Creek to usher in the season with classic car-

ols. Dec. 8, 7 p.m. and Dec. 9, 2 p.m., 400 Squaw Creek Road,

Olympic Valley, 530-583-6115, www.singttcc.org.

Dec. 9 Project MANA Can Drive Help collect food for the

holidays. Bring cans and dry food in exchange for a free trail pass

for the day. Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center, Northwoods

Boulevard, Truckee, 530-587-9400, www.tahoedonner.com.


Hot Pick

... CONTINuED ON PAGE 134

TAHOE magazine 133

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134 WinTEr 2012/2013

Hot Pick

Torchlight Parade

Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve Fun event for intermediate

skiers and riders ages 10 or older who can ski or ride

unassisted in the dark on the Race Course run. Come

early to secure a spot in the parade. A DJ and snacks

will be provided in the bar area prior to the parade.

Sign-ups are from 4:30-5:45 p.m. with a chair loading

time at 6:15 p.m. Free. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area,

Truckee, 530-587-9400, www.tahoedonner.com.

DecemberDec. 15 — Jan. 1 Holidays at Squaw Celebrate the holidays

at Squaw Valley. Enjoy amazing conditions, Santa on the slopes,

festive cheer in The Village and much more. Look forward to skiing

and snowboarding with Chief Mountain Host, Jonny Moseley, grab

a hot chocolate and nestle up next to the fire pit while you listen

to carolers, and take the family to SnoVentures for snow tubing.

Squaw Valley, 1960 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Valley, 800-403-

0206, www.squaw.com/things-to-do/events-calendar/holidays-

squaw.

Dec. 21 End of the World Party Celebrate the end of the

Mayan calendar, Squaw style in the Olympic House, 1960 Squaw

Valley Road, Olympic Valley, 800-403-0206, www.squaw.com/

things-to-do/events-calendar/end-world-party.

Dec. 21-24 Holiday Festivities in the Village at Northstar Enjoy live music in the Village each day! Santa will

be in a different Village location each day, noon-2:30 p.m. to

take pictures with kids, 5001 Northstar Drive, Truckee, 1-800-GO-

NORTH, www.NorthstarCalifornia.com.

Dec. 24-25 Christmas Dinner Signature restaurant,

Manzanita features a holiday-inspired menu in addition to the

French-inspired California cuisine of award-winning chef, Traci Des

Jardins. Advance reservations are required from 4:30-10 p.m. A

la carte menu. The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, 13031 Ritz-Carlton

Highlands Court, Truckee, 530-562-3050, www.ritzcarlton.com/

laketahoe.

Dec. 21-25 Holiday Celebrations at Alpine Meadows

Enjoy the holidays with Alpine Meadows. Take a lap with Santa

on the slopes, listen to the festive music and experience the amaz-

ing conditions and overall holiday cheer at Alpine, 2600 Alpine

Meadows Road, Alpine Meadows, 800-403-0206, www.skialpine.

com.

Dec. 22 Northstar’s 40th Birthday Bash hosted by Shaun

White Celebrate Northstar’s 40th birthday at a party hosted by

Northstar team athlete, Shaun White, 5001 Northstar Drive,

Truckee, 1-800-GO-NORTH, www.NorthstarCalifornia.com.

Dec. 25 Christmas Day Pancake Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast starts at 10 a.m., followed by a half day of skiing and

riding with Santa. The ski lifts will open at 11:30 a.m. Tahoe

Donner Downhill Ski Area, Truckee, 530-587-9400, www.tahoe-

donner.com.

Dec. 27 Free Demo Day Test equipment from Salomon,

Fischer, Rossignol, Atomic and Madshus. Trail pass is required.

Demo equipment from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tahoe Donner Cross Country

Ski Center, Truckee, 530-587-9400, www.tahoedonner.com.


TAHOE magazine 135

Dec. 31 Après Ski New Year’s Celebration Plan your new beginning at the

Alpine Bar this New Year’s Eve. This aprés party is the perfect way to jump-start the

countdown to midnight. Featuring festive cocktails and live music, the Aprés Ski New

Year’s party invites skiers and riders to celebrate a resolution, bid 2012 farewell, and ring

in 2013, 2600 Alpine Meadows Road, 800-403-0206, www.skialpine.com.

Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve Fire & Ice Celebration Ring in the New Year with

your family and friends in the Village at Northstar! Enjoy live music, ice skating, roast-

ing s’mores by the fire and an amazing fireworks show at 9 p.m., 5001 Northstar Drive,

Truckee, 1-800-GO-NORTH, www.NorthstarCalifornia.com.

Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve Celebration Celebrate the new year at Squaw Valley

with a family-friendly East Coast midnight toast at High Camp. For 21 and older, check

out the Olympic House for a rockin’ party to celebrate new beginnings and welcome

2013 in style. Squaw Valley, 1960 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Valley, 800-403-0206,

www.squaw.com/things-to-do/events-calendar/new-years-eve-celebration.

Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve Celebration Ring in the New Year on this magical night

with a four-course prix fixe tasting menu with a bubbly toast, music, dancing and party

favors in Manzanita by acclaimed chef, Traci Des Jardins. Advance reservations are

required from 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m., $200 per person. The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, 13031

Ritz-Carlton Highlands Court, Truckee, 530-562-3050, www.ritzcarlton.com/laketahoe.


136 WinTEr 2012/2013

JanuaryJan. 4-6 Burton Mountain Festival Northstar California,

5001 Northstar Drive, Truckee, 1-800-GO-NORTH, www.

NorthstarCalifornia.com.

Jan. 5 Alpenglow Backcountry Festival Renowned outdoor

adventure go-to shop, Alpenglow Sports, will partner with Alpine

Meadows to host on-snow telemark ski demo days. Those looking

to test-drive the latest gear free of charge can choose from brands

like Black Diamond, Atomic, K2, Garmont, Dynafit, Karhu, Crispi,

and more. The experts from Alpenglow Sports will be available to

offer tips and information on selecting the best equipment. Alpine

Meadows, 800-403-0206, www.skialpine.com.

Jan. 7 Learn to Ski and Ride Week Diamond Peak Ski Resort

kicks off Learn to Ski and Ride Week with specials for beginner

packages. This is always a favorite week for all ages interested in

learning skiing or snowboarding. Diamond Peak Ski Resort, Incline

Way, Incline Village, 775-832-1177, www.diamondpeak.com.

Jan. 12-20 Olympic Heritage Celebration Week“Keeping the Flame Alive” Please see Sierra State Parks

Foundation (www.sierraspf.org) and West Shore Association (www.

TahoeWSA.com) for Olympic Heritage Celebration details.

Jan. 13-18 US Revolution Tour Northstar California,

5001 Northstar Drive, Truckee, 1-800-GO-NORTH, www.

NorthstarCalifornia.com.

Jan. 19-27 National Safety Awareness Week Alpine

Meadows joins the National Ski Area Association in promoting

safety awareness throughout the resort. Remember to wear

your helmet, slather on sunscreen, and be knowledgeable about

avalanche awareness. Alpine Meadows, 800-403-0206, www.

skialpine.com.

Jan. 19-27 National Safety Awareness Week Join Squaw

Valley and the National Ski Areas Association during a week devot-

ed to mountain safety education. Remember to wear your helmet,

slather on sunscreen, and be knowledgeable about avalanche

awareness. Stay tuned for more details on events and programs.

Squaw Valley, 1960 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Valley,

800-403-0206, www.squaw.com/things-to-do/events-calendar/

national-safety-awareness-week.

... CONTINuED ON T PAGE 138

Olympic Heritage Celebration Week

Jan. 13-20 During the winter of 1960, athletes from

around the world came to Lake Tahoe to participate

in the Winter Olympic Games. The biathlon and

cross country events were held in what is now Sugar

Pine Point State Park. Join park staff, the West Shore

Business Association and the Sierra State Parks

Foundation as we celebrate our snow heritage with a

series of events designed to bring families and friends

together as we celebrate what makes our region so

special. This historic venture will come alive with the

Olympic spirit as the public is invited to join us for a

week of special events. Scheduled events will include

an all ages, beginners, modified biathlon event;

snowshoe hikes highlighting our Olympic heritage; and

Opening Ceremonies. A full list of events can be found

on the park’s website, Sugar Pine Point State Park,

West Shore, Lake Tahoe, 530-525-3345,

www.parks.ca.gov, (Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State

Park), www.SierraSPF.org.

Hot Pick

TAHOE magazine 137

Ice Bar Kick-off Party

Jan. 19 A unique spot to gather with friends and catch

a few Sierra rays, the Ice Bar is a party every day during

the ski season. The grand opening is Alpine’s way of

celebrating the Ice Bar, it’s inevitable snowball battles, live

on-snow music, and casual ambiance usually reserved for

the beach. Skiers and riders who migrate to the Ice Bar

(located at the base of the Sherwood Chair) can kick back

in a lounge chair with a cold beverage and barbecued

bratwurst, try their luck with the hula-hoop contest, or

dance to some great DJ beats. Alpine Meadows,

800-403-0206, www.skialpine.com.

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138 WinTEr 2012/2013

REI Winter Trails Day

Jan. 12 Taking place at

Tahoe Donner Cross Country

Ski Center in Truckee from

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Winter Trails

Day is a nationwide event

that offers those new to

snow sports the chance to try

snowshoeing and cross country skiing for free, and to

discover the great fitness and social benefits associated

with these winter activities. Included are equipment

demos, free snowshoe/cross country ski lessons, and

winter-related education as well as food and entertain-

ment. Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center, Truckee,

530-587-9484, www.tahoedonner.com/cross-country/.

January Jan. 21 Skogsloppet A high school fundraiser 15K freestyle

event. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Race starts at 10 a.m.

Pre-registration cost: Adults $25, juniors $18. Day of registration:

Adults $30, juniors $23. Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center,


Jan. 25 Full Moon Tour and Dinner Event Seating limited,

please call 530-587-9484 to make your reservation. Cost: Season

pass holder $15, public $20. Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski

Center, Truckee, 530-587-9400, www.tahoedonner.com.

Jan. 25 Full Moon Snowshoe Hike Join the fun for the

full moon snowshoe hike to Snowflake Lodge for the entire

community. For ages 9 and above. Meet at Diamond Peak upper

parking lot at 5 p.m. Snowshoe up to Snowflake Lodge, enjoy the

view and the night. Food and beverages available for purchase

at the lodge. Must pre-register in order to participate. Diamond

Peak Ski Resort, Incline Way, Incline Village, 775-832-1310,

www.InclineRecreation.com.

Jan. 26, Feb. 24, March 30 Full Moon Snowshoe Hikes

Full Moon Snowshoe Hikes along Tahoe’s West Shore at Sugar Pine

Point State Park, $25 includes snowshoe rental, park entrance fee

and guided interpretive program. Children 12 and under are $10.

Proceeds benefit the Sierra State Parks Foundation. Meet at 6:30

p.m. for an introduction, snowshoeing begins at 7 p.m. and lasts

1.5 hours. Reservations are required and can be made by calling

the program sponsor, West Shore Sports, at 530-525-9920.

FebruaryFeb. 2 Butterbox Rail Jam, Northstar California,

5001 Northstar Drive, Truckee, 1-800-GO-NORTH,

www.NorthstarCalifornia.com.


Hot Pick


TAHOE magazine 139

LAKE TAHOE SCHOOL DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLORRELIGION, GENDER, AGE, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, NATIONAL ORIGIN OR ANCESTRYDISABILITY, OR ANY OTHER LEGALLY PROTECTED STATUS IN ITS PROGRAMSORGANIZATIONS, ACTIVITIES, AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT AND ADMISSION

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140 WinTEr 2012/2013

Feb. 8 Writers in the Woods Series Tracy Ross, award-win-

ning journalist and contributing editor at Backpacker Magazine

will do a reading and presentation from 7-9 p.m. in TCES 139/141

on the campus of Sierra Nevada College. Also a limited attendance

writing workshop is available by contacting jsaraceno@sierrane-

vada.edu. Sierra Nevada College, Tahoe Center for Environmental

Sciences, 291 County Club Drive, Incline Village, 775-831-1314,


Feb. 8 Ullr Fest The annual Diamond Peak Ski Team festival Ullr

Fest covers three fun-filled days of events. It kicks off with a torch-

light parade and live music. Diamond Peak Ski Resort, Incline Way,

Incline Village, 775-832-1310, www.diamondpeak.com.

Feb. 9 Ullr Fest Festivities all day at Diamond Peak Ski Resort,

Incline Way, Incline Village, 775-832-1310, www.diamondpeak.

com.

Feb. 10 Chinese New Year Celebration The Chinese New

Year at Squaw Valley will celebrate the traditional Chinese Holiday

with a Dragon dance. Also known as “Spring Festival,” this is the

year of the snake and they are making it all happen at Squaw

Valley, 1960 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Valley, 800-403-0206,

www.squaw.com/things-to-do/events-calendar/chinese-new-year-

celebration.

Feb. 10 Paco’s Valentine’s Race Event 15k Freestyle, regis-

tration begins at 8:30 a.m. Race starts at 10 a.m. Pre-registration

cost: Adults $25, juniors $18. Day of registration: Adults $30,

juniors $23. Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center, Truckee, 530-

587-9400, www.tahoedonner.com.

Feb. 10 Ullr Fest Closing ceremonies Diamond Peak Ski

Resort, Incline Way, Incline Village, 775-832-1310, www.diamond-

peak.com.

Feb. 12 Fat Tuesday Mardi Crawl Celebrate Fat Tuesday

with Squaw Valley and hop from bar to bar accompanied by a live

band, 1960 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Valley, 800-403-0206,

www.squaw.com/things-to-do/events-calendar/mardi-crawl.

Feb. 14 Valentine’s Dinner Annual Valentine’s Dinner at

Snowflake Lodge, Diamond Peak Ski Resort, Incline Way, Incline

Village, 775-832-1310, www.diamondpeak.com.

Feb. 14 St. Valentine’s Day Celebration Love is in the

air at Squaw Valley this Valentine’s Day. Grab your sweetheart or

Rahlves’ Banzai TourAlpine Meadows

Feb. 9-10 The ski and

snowboard world’s “most

exciting and unique race series

on the planet,” 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Rahlves’ Banzai represents all

that is raw and natural, on a

un-groomed, as-is course, with

athletes battling the elements

of the day, not to mention

themselves and each other in

front of an audience with global

attention showcasing Tahoe.

RBT promotes an active lifestyle

and a “find out what you

are made of” attitude, www.

rahlvesbanzai.com.

FebruaryFeb. 2 Last Tracks This is the first Last Tracks of the season.

Last Tracks is held on Saturdays until the end of the season. This is

one of the most popular events so sells out fast. It features a trip

up to Snowflake Lodge for spectacular views along with wine tast-

ing and appetizers. Event ends at sunset when everyone skis, or

snowboards down a freshly groomed blue corduroy run. Space is

limited. Diamond Peak Ski Resort, Incline Way, Incline Village, 775-

832-1177, www.diamondpeak.com.

Feb. 8 Father Daughter Dance Three years ago, the Father

Daughter Dance was spearheaded by a group of local moms who

wanted to celebrate the special bond between daughters and their

fathers. This event has amassed a loyal following. In 2012, more

than 350 guests enjoyed music by DJ Retro, crafts from the Tahoe

City Parks and Recreation Department, cake and snacks, activity

booths, a photo booth from Reno Photo Booth Company, and a

keepsake photo from Danielle Hankinson Photography. Crystal Bay

Club Casino, State Highway 28, Crystal Bay, 775-298-0010. www.

tahoesafealliance.org.


Hot Pick

TAHOE magazine 141

meet a new beau throughout the loveliest day in February. Take

part in one of the many activities hosted by Squaw Valley. Meet

singles on KT, find the hidden heart bag all around the mountain,

and decorate cookies, 1960 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Valley,

800-403-0206, www.squaw.com/things-to-do/events-calendar/St.-

Valentine%27s-Day-Celebration.

Feb. 15 Soup and Chili Showdown Compete against local

culinary enthusiasts from all over North Lake Tahoe and Truckee in

this family friendly competition of best soup and chili. A variety of

categories will be awaiting first place winners. Dig out that ancient

family secret recipe and join in the challenge or come out to sam-

ple the best of the North Shore and Truckee. Rideout Community

Center, 740 Timberland Lane, Tahoe City, 530-583-3440, www.

tcpud.org.

Feb. 15-16 Writers in the Woods Series Laura

Wetherington, author of National Poetry Series winner “A Map

Predetermined and Chance” will host a reading and presentation,

7-9 p.m. at TCES Room 139/141. A writing workshop is also avail-

able by contacting [email protected]. Sierra Nevada

College, Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences, 291 County

Club Drive, Incline Village, 775-831-1314, www.sierranevada.edu.

Children’s Glowstick Parade and Carnival

Feb. 23 A kid’s version of the Torchlight

Parade with glow sticks for children 10 or

younger who can ski or ride unassisted in

the dark on the Snowbird run. Come early

to secure a spot in the parade and get glow

sticks by playing free carnival games. Music

and snacks will be provided in the bar area

prior to the parade. Sign-up and carnival

start at 4:30 p.m. with the parade starting

at 6:30 p.m. Free! Tahoe Donner Downhill

Ski Area, Northwoods Boulevard, Truckee,

530-587-9400, www.tahoedonner.com.

Feb. 15-23 Kid-O-Rama Squaw Valley comes alive this Feb.

with a week-long kid’s extravaganza. Big trucks, street parties,

balloon animals, skating parties and kids’ concerts are just a few

of the festivities for kids and families taking place during Squaw

Valley’s Kid-O-Rama. From activities sure to entertain Squaw Valley’s

littlest visitors to teen fun, Kid-O-Rama offers non-stop fun for kids

of all ages, 1960 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Valley, 800-403-

0206, www.squaw.com/things-to-do/events-calendar/Kid-O-Rama.

Feb. 16 Ice Bar Party Recognized as one of Tahoe’s most

unique spots to gather with friends and catch a few rays of the

Sierra’s famous winter sunshine, the Ice Bar is a party every day

during the ski season. Skiers and riders who migrate to the Ice

Bar (located at the base of the Sherwood Chair) can kick back in

a lounge chair with a cold beverage and barbecued bratwurst, try

their luck with the hula-hoop contest, or dance to some great DJ

beats. Alpine Meadows, 800-403-0206, www.skialpine.com.

Feb. 22 Snowshoe Hike Join the full moon snowshoe hike

to Snowflake Lodge for the entire community. For all — ages 9

and above. Meet at Diamond Peak upper parking lot at 5 p.m.

Snowshoe up to Snowflake Lodge, enjoy the view and the night.

Food and beverages available for purchase at the lodge. Must pre-

register in order to participate. Diamond Peak Ski Resort, Incline

Way, Incline Village, 775-832-1310, www.InclineRecreation.com.


Hot Pick

142 WinTEr 2012/2013

North Lake TahoeSnowFest!

March 1-10 Celebrating 32 years of family fun in

North Lake Tahoe. Since 1982, North Lake Tahoe

comes alive with 10 fun-filled days and nights,

jam packed with events and activities for all ages.

At North Tahoe’s numerous resorts and lakeside

neighborhoods, there’s something for everyone.

Enjoy on-snow events at Squaw Valley, Alpine

Meadows, Homewood, Diamond Peak, and Northstar-

at-Tahoe. Participate in special events, parades, races,

parties, concerts, theater. There’s plenty of wining

and dining at North Lake Tahoe’s fine restaurants and

lively establishments. Join in and celebrate the fun

and frolic of winter! Snow conditions in early

March are some of the best of the season.

For the full schedule of SnowFest! events visit

www.tahoesnowfestival.com.

FebruaryFeb. 23 9th Annual Squaw Valley Prom Back for its ninth

year, the Squaw Valley Prom is hosted by the High Fives Non-Profit

Foundation with all ticket proceeds benefiting their amazing orga-

nization. This year’s theme will be “MTV Spring Break ’99,” 1960

Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Valley, 800-403-0206, www.squaw.

com/things-to-do/events-calendar/Squaw-Valley-Prom.

Feb. 24 Full Moon Snowshoe Hike California State Park

staff will lead a 1.5 hour full moon snowshoe hike along the

magical west shore at Sugar Pine Point State Park. The adventure

begins on the lake side of the park and explores the natural and

cultural history surrounding the 1903 Hellman-Ehrman Estate. For

those new to snowshoeing there will be a beginner’s clinic at 6:30

p.m. sponsored by West Shore Sports. The hike begins promptly

at 7 p.m. and costs $25 for adults and $10 for children under

12-years-old. The price includes park entrance and snowshoe

rentals. All proceeds from the tours support the Sierra State Parks

Foundation. Wear layered clothing and waterproof shoes. Space

is limited and reservations are required through West Shore Sports

at 530-525-9920. Sugar Pine Point State Park, West Shore, Lake

Tahoe, 530-525-3345, www.parks.ca.gov (Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine

Point State Park), www.SierraSPF.org.

MarchMarch 1 SnowFest! Opening Ceremonies Enjoy a spec-

tacular fireworks show and music late into the night during the

opening ceremony of SnowFest! Squaw Valley, 1960 Squaw Valley

Road, Olympic Valley, 800-403-0206, www.squaw.com/things-to-

do/events-calendar/SnowFest-Opening-Ceremonies-%26-Fireworks.

March 1 Mother Son Laser Tag Join other mother and

son combos from all around the North Shore of Lake Tahoe and

Truckee in this exciting evening of Laser Tag. Many other games

and activities as well as professional photographers and delicious

pizza! This event will definitely be one to remember. Rideout

Community Center, Tahoe City, 530-583-3440, www.tcpud.org.

March 2-3 Rahlves Banzai at Squaw Where ski cross is like

supercross on a manicured track, the Rahlves’ Banzai is like moto-

cross on the mountain. This rousing competition makes its way to


0206, www.squaw.com/things-to-do/events-calendar/Rahlve%27s-

Banzai-Tour.

Hot Pick

TAHOE magazine 143

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March 3 The Great Ski Race The Great Ski Race is the main

fund raising event for the Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue Team,

a nonprofit all-volunteer organization. Team members, along

with community supporters, organize The Great Ski Race, which

continues to be one of the largest Nordic ski races west of the

Mississippi. Race proceeds are used primarily to purchase equip-

ment for the Team, and to support winter survival and avalanche

education programs sponsored and conducted by the Team. The

Great Ski Race has gone from 60 racers being manually timed in

1977, to more than 600 racers with electronic timing in 1985, to

more than 800 racers every year since 1999. In 2005 all records

were broken, with 1109 registered racers, 1029 finishers, and the

fastest men’s and women’s times yet. Visit www.thegreatskirace.

com.

March 3 Winter Beach Party Join us for some tropical fun,

live music, food and games. A great time for the whole fam-

ily that starts at 12 p.m. Free. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area,

Northwoods Boulevard, Truckee, 530-587-9400, www.tahoedon-

ner.com.

March 7-10 The North Face Park & Pipe Open Series Three-stop tour featuring ski slopestyle and halfpipe competitions.

The North Face Park and Pipe Open Series will dedicate one com-

petition day to halfpipe and two days to slopestyle. Judging will

be overall impression based on creativity, degree of difficulty, com-

binations, variations, style, and amplitude. Northstar California,

www.northstarattahoe.com/events.calendar.month.asp.

March 9-10 Rahlves’ Banzai Tour Sugar Bowl Resort Silver Belt Banzai The ski and snowboard world’s most excit-

ing and unique race series on the planet. Rahlves’ Banzai repre-

sents all that is raw and natural, on a un-groomed, as-is course,

with athletes battling the elements of the day, not to mention

themselves and each other in front of a local audience with global

attention showcasing Tahoe. RBT promotes an active lifestyle and

a “find out what you are made of” attitude, www.rahlvesbanzai.

com.

March 16 Spring Music Series Begins The Alpine Spring

Music Series features live music every weekend throughout the

spring ski and snowboard season. Well-known bands play at the

Alpine Meadows sundeck, in the Last Chair Bar & Grill or at the Ice

Bar. All Spring Music Series concerts are free and family friendly,

2600 Alpine Meadows Road, Alpine Meadows, 800-403-0206,

www.skialpine.com.


144 WinTEr 2012/2013

March March 16-17 St. Patty’s Spring Party Weekend It’s spring

break, and there is no better place to get your party on than at

Squaw Valley. Complete with tons of sun, plenty of snow and pool

parties the Spring Party Weekend is something that shouldn’t be

missed. Squaw Valley, 1960 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Valley,

800-403-0206, www.squaw.com/things-to-do/events-calendar/

spring-party-weekend.

March 17-23 US National Alpine Championships The

U.S. Championships are a culmination of the ski racing year which

brings together the U.S. Ski Team and hundreds of young athletes

from U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association club programs from

across the country. Complete with opening ceremonies, parties

and world class racing. Squaw Valley, 1960 Squaw Valley Road,

Olympic Valley, 800-403-0206, www.squaw.com.

March 23 Underwater Egg Hunt Go to the Incline Village

Recreation Center pool at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 23 for

some underwater egg hunt fun. Some eggs will be weighted and

some will float. Every child gets a prize. Children can participate

in a series of hunts. The Big Bunny will also make an early appear-

ance! To volunteer or donate call 775-832-1310. Incline Village

Recreation Center, 980 Incline Way, Incline Village, 775-832-1310,

www.InclineRecreation.com.

March 23 200-ft. Banana Split Extravaganza Help devour

the incredible 200-foot banana split at 1:30 p.m. Free. Tahoe

Donner Downhill Ski Area, Northwoods Boulevard, Truckee, 530-


March 7-10 The North Face Park & Pipe Open Series

Ski Slopestyle and Superpipe competition. Competitors will receive

FIS points. Three-stop tour featuring ski slopestyle and halfpipe

competitions. The North Face Park and Pipe Open Series will dedi-

cate one competition day to halfpipe and two days to slopestyle.

Judging will be overall impression based on creativity, degree of

difficulty, combinations, variations, style, and amplitude. Northstar

California, 5001 Northstar Drive, Truckee, 1-800-GO-NORTH,

www.NorthstarCalifornia.com.

March 29 Writers in the Woods Series Laura McCollough,

author of four books of poetry will do a reading and presentation

from 7-9 p.m. at TCES Rooms 139/141. She will also host a writ-

ing workshop with limited seating available and for information on

the workshop contact [email protected]. Sierra Nevada

College, Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences, 291 County

Club Drive, Incline Village, 775-831-1314, www.sierranevada.edu.

March 29-30 Pain McShlonkey Classic A tribute to the

legend Shane McConkey, this is a weekend where stars from

the ski industry converge on Squaw to pay homage to the man.

Friday includes a private gala and fundraiser, with Saturday host-

ing a “small mountain” competition on snowlerblades and an

old school no holds barred race to the bottom of the mountain.

Oh yeah, and then there is the party that evening held in Squaw

Valley Conference Center, 1960 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic

Valley, 800-403-0206, www.squaw.com/things-to-do/events-calen-

dar/Pain-McShlonkey.

March 30 Full Moon Snowshoe Hike California State

Park staff will lead a 1.5 hour full moon snowshoe hike along the

magical west shore at Sugar Pine Point State Park. The adventure

begins on the lake side of the park and explores the natural and

cultural history surrounding the 1903 Hellman-Ehrman Estate. For

those new to snowshoeing there will be a beginner’s clinic at 6:30

p.m. sponsored by West Shore Sports. The hike begins promptly

at 7 p.m. and costs $25 for adults and $10 for children under

12-years-old. Price includes park entrance and snowshoe rentals.

Wear layered clothing and waterproof shoes. Space is limited and

reservations are required through West Shore Sports at 530-525-

9920. Sugar Pine Point State Park, West Shore, Lake Tahoe, 530-

525-3345,www.parks.ca.gov (Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State

Park), www.SierraSPF.org.

March 30 Spring Eggstravaganza Community Egg Hunt Grab your basket and join the fun, 11 a.m. at Incline

Beach. Do not arrive late — it is over in one minute. Arrive at

10:30 a.m. to have a photo taken with the Easter Bunny. This

event is for ages infant to 11-years-old. To volunteer or donate to

this event call 775-832-1310. Incline Beach, 967 Lakeshore Blvd.,

Incline Village, 775-832-1310, www.InclineRecreation.com.

March 31 Easter Egg “Mile Run” Hunt The Easter Bunny

left some eggs behind on Tahoe Donner’s longest run. Meet at the

top of Eagle Rock at 1:30 p.m. and help find the bunny’s eggs.

You might get lucky and find a special golden egg. Free. Tahoe

Donner Downhill Ski Area, Northwoods Boulevard, Truckee, 530-


March 31 All-Mountain Easter Egg Hunt & Kids’ Easter Egg Hunt Make room in that Easter basket to fit a

season pass to Alpine Meadows Ski Resort. Guests will have the


TAHOE magazine 145

Spring Eggstravaganza & Egg Hunt

March 30 Join hundreds of other families in a free

egg hunt at Commons Beach in Tahoe City. The egg

hunt will kick off a morning of fun including games,

face paint, balloon animals and much more. The Easter

Bunny will be on hand for photo opportunities as well,

Tahoe City, 530-583-3440, www.tcpud.org.

chance to comb the mountain for a golden egg containing a

Bronze Season Pass in the free Adult Easter Egg Hunt. Hundreds

of eggs will be hidden across all of Alpine’s 2,400 acres, but only

one will be gold. Arrive early, as this all-day hunt will commence

when the lifts start moving at 9 a.m. Ski school will host another

annual favorite: The Children’s Easter Egg Hunt with plenty of

Easter candy for all. Visit www.SkiAlpine.com for details. Alpine

Meadows, 2600 Alpine Meadows Road, Alpine Meadows, 800-

403-0206, www.skialpine.com.

March 31 Annual Beacon & Eggs Beacon Search Contest Combine an Easter egg hunt with an avalanche beacon

search practice session, and the result is the Beacon & Eggs bea-

con search contest at Alpine Meadows Ski Resort. Avalanche bea-

cons will be buried in a one-acre area in at Alpine Meadows and

competitors will proceed to the buried backpack using their bea-

cons in “search” mode. Competitors work individually or in teams

(up to four people), sharing the prizes for recovering the beacon.

Competitors redeem a found beacon for prizes from Porter’s

Tahoe, The Backcountry, Alpenglow, and Mountain Hardware,

Cosmo’s Custom Footwerks, and the Truckee Sports Exchange. The

individual winner of the Alpine Meadows Beacon & Eggs contest

will win a Bronze Season Pass.

Free registration is at the Beacon & Eggs tent near the top of

Subway Chair Lift, 9-11 a.m. The Le Mans-style start is at noon

near the top of the Subway beginner lift, adjacent to the base

lodge. Competitors must provide their own beacons, probes, and

shovels. Alpine Meadows, 800-403-0206, www.skialpine.com.

March 31 Easter Celebration Celebrate the Easter Holiday at

Squaw with a mountain top service in the morning followed by an

Easter Egg hunt on the mountain. Catch the Easter Bunny in The

Village hopping around with delicious delights, 1960 Squaw Valley

Road, Olympic Valley, 800-403-0206, www.squaw.com/things-to-

do/events-calendar/on-mountain-easter-egg-hunt.

AprilApril 4-9 Northstar California Film & Music Festival 5001 Northstar Drive, Truckee, 1-800-GO-NORTH, www.

NorthstarCalifornia.com

April 6 Red Bull Schlittentag Schlittentag is the German

word for “sledding day.” Put simply, it translates as “daredevils

willing to propel themselves down a snow-covered hill and over

a jump on a sled they built themselves.” Three-person teams will

stretch their imagination to build the wildest, fastest sled this side

of the Alps. One will be the pilot and the two others will help give

their sled the push it needs to win the race and the fame and for-

tune that follows, 2600 Alpine Meadows Road, Alpine Meadows,

800-403-0206, www.skialpine.com.


Hot Pick

146 WinTEr 2012/2013

April April 11 & 13 Sierra Nevada College Spring Concert Donna Axton and Choir present the SNC Spring Concert at

St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church beginning at 7 p.m. St. Patrick’s



April 13 30th Anniversary Snow Golf Tournament As

the only top-to-bottom snow golf course, this spring event is a

unique way to spend a day on the slopes. The nine-hole course

starts at the top of Summit Express chair and meanders its way

down the mountain with the last holes bringing competitors back

to the bottom of Alpine Bowl Chair. Winners receive prizes includ-

ing gift certificates, Alpine Meadows swag, and more. Golf tour-

nament registration is free at the top of Summit Express, Alpine

Meadows, 2600 Alpine Meadows Road, 800-403-0206, www.

skialpine.com.

April 13-14 Snowbash A weekend of parties and fun, all

to celebrate the mountains we love, Squaw Valley, 1960 Squaw

Valley Road, Olympic Valley, 800-403-0206, www.squaw.com/

things-to-do/events-calendar/snowbash-at-squaw.

April 20 Tahoe Truckee Earthday Celebration This

all-ages, community sponsored event gives participants an oppor-

tunity to learn about recycling/composting, alternative energy,

sustainability, watershed and forest health, and reducing ecological

footprints via a diverse array of agency representatives and earth-

friendly vendors. Live music, a trashion show and environmental

fun at the largest eco-event in the North Lake Tahoe/Truckee area.


0206, www.squaw.com/things-to-do/events-calendar/north-tahoe-

truckee-earth-day-celebration.

April 20 TRAINS Freestyle Ski & Snowboard Competition put on by High Fives A great spectator

event, Trains affords locals and visitors alike the opportunity to wit-

ness world class skiing and snowboarding at one of the most stun-

ning locales in the Lake Tahoe basin. Alpine Meadows and Snow

Park Technologies roll out all the stops with an amazing slopestyle

course and spectator venue. A unique format will showcase the

talents of 30 competitors vying for top honors and the chance

to donate more than $5,000 to selected charities, 2600 Alpine

Meadows Road, 800-403-0206, www.skialpine.com.

MayMay 5 Community Benefit Auction and Wine Tasting

Presented by the Kiwanis Club of North Lake Tahoe More than

$50,000 in goods and services will be offered along with premium

wines and sumptuous appetizers, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Look for vaca-

tions to exotic places, golf and dining packages, home mainte-

nance services, clothing, jewelry and accessories. All proceeds ben-

efit local youth and social service programs. Dress is Tahoe casual

with spring flair. Sunnyside Resort, 1850 West Lake Blvd., Tahoe

City, www.kiwanisnlt.org. ◆

Downhill Dummy Contest and Rail Jam

April 14 Join the annual end of season bash! Enjoy

food and beverage specials, bounce house, live music,

plus the popular Boxing Match Rail Jam and traditional

Downhill Dummy event. Teams build unique dummies

to send sliding down the hill and off a massive jump.

This year’s theme is “Places around the World.” Prizes

will be awarded for best design, best air and best crash.

You can also get full-day lift tickets at half-day rates.

Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, Northwoods Boulevard,



Hot Pick


s p E c I A l E v E N T

The Sierra Nevada Dog Drivers and Sugar Bowl Resort have signed an agreement to return a sled dog race to the Truckee/North Lake

Tahoe region after a 16-year hiatus.

Sugar Bowl Resort will host the Jack London Commemorative Sierra Sled Dog Derby on the 3,000-acre property of the Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort on March 2-3, 2013.

The race will be conducted by the Sierra Nevada Dog Drivers, a nonprofit California corporation, under rules and the animal welfare policy of the International Sled Dog Racing Association.

Sled dog teams in classes of from three to eight dogs will depart the starting line in Soda Springs and run to the Village at Sugar Bowl Resort and return.

The Sled Dog Derby highlights the area’s heritage and races that were centerpieces of Winter Carnivals in the early 1900s. The first sled dog race in the “lower

48” was held in Truckee in 1915 and was attended by Jack London. Sled dogs contributed to early regional development being relied upon for transportation, work chores, law enforcement and search and rescue.

Completion of Interstate 80 brought growth to the area. In the 1960s local mushers, led by Truckee resident Bob Levorsen, formed the Sierra Nevada Dog Drivers and held races at Hobart Mills. The Truckee Lions Club initiated races at the Truckee Tahoe Airport in 1979. These annual races were successful in drawing mushers from western states and in attracting spectators. However, chronically poor snow cover at the site forced many races to be canceled and the last was held in 1997.

Race proceeds will benefit local animal welfare organizations. Volunteers and nonprofit service organizations interested in participating in the race should contact Preston Springston, [email protected]. ◆

MAKINGA COMEBACKafter 16 years, sled dog races return to the truckee/north lake tahoe region

Preston Springston takes off in a six-dog sprint class race in Foresthill. Photo: Courtesy Darin Pointer of FFG Photography

148 WinTEr 2012/2013

NovemberNov. 29-30 Warren Miller “Flow State” Film Catch War-

ren Miller’s newest film, “Flow State,” at the MontBleu Theatre.

The film showcases amazing locations and top skiers from around

the world. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are available at the MontBleu Box Office. MontBleu Theatre,

55 Highway 50, Lake Tahoe, Nev. 1-888-829-7630 or www.mont-

bleuresort.com

Nov. 29 - Dec. 2 Festival of Trees and Lights Multi-day,

family-oriented festival. Senior Stroll, 10-11 a.m., public viewing 10

a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 29; public viewing 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., family

night 5-9 p.m. on Nov. 30; Teddy Bear Breakfast, 8:30-9:30 a.m.,

public viewing 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Gala, 5:30 p.m. to midnight,

Dec. 1; public viewing 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Family Movie Night “The

Polar Express” 3 p.m., Dec. 2. Sponsored by the Barton Founda-

tion to benefit the Barton Community Clinic. All proceeds benefit

Barton Health’s Emergency Department Level III Trauma Center

Initiative. Call 530-543-5614 or visit www.festivaloftreeslaketahoe.

org.

Winter Ignite

Dec. 1-9 Heavenly’s annual ski season kickoff.

Aprés Ski Party, 3:30-5:30 p.m., half-price drinks,

food specials, live disc jockey, go-go dancing

Heavenly Angels and giveaways, Tamarack

Lodge, at the top of Heavenly Mountain Resort,

South Lake Tahoe. Warren Miller Film Premiere,

Dec. 1, 7 p.m.; Heavenly After Party at Opal

Lounge, 10 p.m.; MontBleu Casino Resort & Spa,

55 Highway 50, Stateline, Nev. 1-800-648-3353.

www.skiheavenly.com.


Hot Pick

c A l E N d A R o f E v E N T s - s o u t h s h o r e

TAHOE magazine 149

Eskaton Village Placerville offers a unique blend of independent living with services, assisted living and memory care right off Highway 50.

Eskaton’s assisted living Lodge is rated “best in the Placerville area.” And Eskaton’s “Dawn of a New Day” Memory Care “is one of the top three Memory Care communities in Northern California,” according to Laura Wayman of Dementia Whisperers.

866-ESKATON | www.eskaton.org

WELCOME HOME

“Mom loves all the staff and receives such wonderful care. It gives me such peace of mind.”

- Vicki Rice (Adele D’Agostini’s daughter) and the D’Agostini family

Eskaton Vi l lage Placervi l le

ESKATON VILLAGE PLACERVILLE3380 Blairs Lane, P lacervi l le , CA 95667

530-295-3400

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Schedulea visitTODAY!

Tahoe Adventure Film Festival

Dec. 8 Featuring the best adventure sports films of

the year and the best talent in the action sports world.

The festival will showcase the top 10 submissions from

every corner of the Action Sports World in 10-12 min-

ute clip or segments which will premiere at the festival.

There will also be a raffle sponsored by TAFF and Sierra

Avalanche Center with prizes such as heli-ski trips, cat-

skiing trips, awesome gear and swag. Doors open at

6:30 p.m., begins at 7 p.m. at MontBleu Casino Resort

& Spa, 55 Highway 50, Stateline, Nev. Tickets are avail-

able at the MontBleu Box Office. For information and

a schedule, visit www.laketahoefilmfestival.com.

Base jumping photo courtesy of Aurora Films. Hot Pick

150 WinTEr 2012/2013

SnowGlobe Music Festival

Dec. 29-31 Multiple stages

will feature musicians and live

music. This year’s lineup features

Deadmau5, Wiz Khalifa,

Chromeo Live, Beats Antique,

Big Gigantic, Laidback Luke,

MiMOSA, Madeon, Gramatik

and Polica. Held at Lake Tahoe

Community College,1 College

Drive, South Lake Tahoe.

For more information, visit

www.snowglobemusicfestival.

com.

December Dec. 2 Kirkwood TenK A 10K race open to all levels of ski

ability. Course consists of two laps around the Kirkwood Meadow

loop at Kirkwood Mountain Resort, 1501 Kirkwood Meadows

Drive. For information, call 209-258-7248 or visit www.winter.

kirkwood.com.

Dec. 8 Breakfast with Santa 9-11 a.m., Kahle Community

Center, 36 Kingsbury Grade, Stateline. Enjoy a pancake breakfast

and have your picture taken with Santa. $2 For ages 3-6. Call 775-

586-7271.

Dec. 13 Phone call from Santa 4:30-6:30 p.m. For ages 3-6.

Register starting Dec. 1 at Kahle Community Center, 236 Kingsbury

Grade, Stateline. Free. Call 775-586-7271.

Dec. 15-31 Holidays at Heavenly Village Experience a

holiday winter wonderland with lights, decorations, carolers, magi-

cians, jugglers, live ice sculpture making, and a Ripperoo Parade.

Events culminate in a New Year’s Bash on Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. Call

775-586-7000 or visit www.skiheavenly.com.

Dec. 21 End of the World Party We’re partying like there’s

no tomorrow! Come celebrate the Mayan calendar’s End of the

World at Opal Ultra Lounge and go out in style! Offering drink spe-

cials, go-go dancers, and a costume party. Doors open at 10 p.m.

Opal Ultra Lounge, 55 Highway 50, Lake Tahoe, Nev., 1-888-829-

7630 or www.montbleuresort.com

Dec. 29-30 Holiday Festivities Bring your friends and family

to the hill and join in on the holiday fun as we ring in the New Year

with games, fun crafts and activities at Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort Base

Lodge, 1111 Sierra-at-Tahoe Road, Twin Bridges. For information,

call 530-659-7475 or visit www.sierraattahoe.com

Dec. 31 New Year’s Bash Ring in the New Year with your

family at Heavenly Village and watch as a brightly lit gondola

descends over the crowd, signaling the start of the fireworks show.

Heavenly Village, 1-800-HEAVENLY or www.skiheavenly.com.

Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve and Kirkwood 40th Birthday Celebrations Kirkwood celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2012-

2013 with a full day of festivities on December 31 that leads into a

New Year’s celebration with fireworks, music and the annual NYE

torchlight parade. The parade is open to intermediate to expert

level skiers and snowboarders aged 10 and up. Also offered on

New Year’s Eve is a special holiday snow cat tour that takes guests

to the top of Chair 2 to watch the fireworks while enjoying cham-

pagne or sparkling cider. It is followed up with dinner at the Wall

Bar. Kirkwood Mountain Resort, 1501 Kirkwood Meadows Drive.

For information, visit www.winter.kirkwood.com.

Hot Pick



TAHOE magazine 151

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Swat - El Nino 2013 Snowjam

Jan. 3-4 The The nation’s largest high school winter trip

is back and better than ever! Completely renovated with

new events including the inaugural Snowjam at Sierra-

at-Tahoe showcasing pro-athletes Chas Guldemond,

Elena Hight, Andreas Wiig, Forest Bailey and many more.

Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort and South Lake Tahoe. Visit http://

www.swatup.com/high_school_trips/el_nino_2013 for

more information.

Hot Pick

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152 WinTEr 2012/2013

Jan. 26-27 USASA Slopestyle and Boarder/Skier Cross

USASA brings its South Shore Series to Sierra-at-Tahoe for this

amateur slopestyle and boarder/skier cross at Sierra-at-Tahoe Re-

sort, 1111 Sierra-at-Tahoe Road, Twin Bridges. For information, visit

www. www.usasa.org or call 530-659-7475.

FebruaryFeb. 2-3 Rahlves Banzai Tour Big mountain freeride action

meets ski and boarder-cross strategy at Kirkwood Mountain Resort,

1501 Kirkwood Meadows Drive. For information, visit www.winter.

kirkwood.com or www.rahlvesbanzai.com.

Feb. 23 USASA Boarder/Skier Cross USASA brings their

South Shore Series to Sierra-at-Tahoe for this amateur boarder/skier

cross at Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, 1111 Sierra-at-Tahoe Road, Twin

Bridges. For information, call 530-659-7475 or visit www.usasa.

org.

MarchMarch 8 Wild & Scenic Film Festival The Wild & Scenic

Film Festival brings the best of its films on tour. The festival aims to

inspire and motivate the viewers and increase public awareness for

the environment through its educational films. Tickets are available

at the MontBlue Box Office. MontBleu Theatre, 55 Highway 50,

Lake Tahoe, Nev., 1-888-829-7630 or www.montbleuresort.com

March 8-10 Expedition: Kirkwood Women’s Weekend,

A three-day event that includes coaching, ski demos and more at

Kirkwood Mountain Resort, 1501 Kirkwood Meadows Drive. For

information, visit www.winter.kirkwood.com or contact 209-258-

7360 or [email protected].

March 9 Gnu Presents Lil Weirdos, The coolest 13 and

under contest in the world! Join mini-shreds from all over NorCal

as they enjoy a day where they are the stars. This event is free and

open to snowboarders of all levels age 13 and under. Held at Si-

erra-at-Tahoe Resort, 1111 Sierra-at-Tahoe Road, Twin Bridges. For

information, call 530-659-7475 or visit www.sierraattahoe.com.

January Jan. 12 Winter Trails Day An event to bring attention to

showshoeing and cross-country skiing. Showshoe demos, mini be-

ginning ski lessons at Kirkwood Mountain Resort, 1501 Kirkwood

Meadows Drive. For information, call 209-258-7248 or visit www.

winter.kirkwood.com.

Jan. 13 USASA Slopestyle Competition, USASA brings

their South Shore Series to Sierra-at-Tahoe for this amateur slope-

style competition at Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, 1111 Sierra-at-Tahoe

Road, Twin Bridges. For more information, call 530-659-7475 or

visit www.usasa.org.

Jan. 19-20 Women’s Camp A weekend camp in an all female

learning environment designed to improve on-hill skill and confi-

dence for women ages 18 and over of any skiing or snowboarding

ability. One day camp packages available at Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort,

1111 Sierra-at-Tahoe Road, Twin Bridges. For information, visit

www.sierraattahoe.com/womenscamps or call 530-659-7453, ext.

284.

Jan. 25-27, Feb. 8-10, March 4-8 Peak Performance Academy Multi-day clinics for intermediate to advanced skiers

and snowboarders with access to the top instructors in the United

States. Check website for dates. Heavenly Village, 1-800-HEAVENLY

or www.skiheavenly.com.

Tahoe Snowcial

Feb. 27 - March 2 Tahoe Snowcial The worlds

of digital storytelling, snowsports and technology will

converge to unite and celebrate a global community of

enthusiasts who live their passion on the snow and tell

their stories online. Begins at Feb. 27 at 4 p.m. and ends

March 2 at 9 p.m., Harveys Lake Tahoe, 15 Highway 50,

Stateline, Nev. Visit www.tahoesnowcial.com.

Hot Pick



TAHOE magazine 153

Swatch Freeride World Tour by the North Face

Feb. 27 - March 3

Kirkwood will play host

to the lone USA stop for

the new Swatch Freeride

World Tour by The North

Face, which combines the

Freeride World Tour, the

Freeskiing World Tour and

The North Face Masters

of Snowboarding to

create one unified global

championship series.

Kirkwood Mountain Resort,

1501 Kirkwood Meadows

Drive. For information, visit

www.winter.kirkwood.com.

Hot Pick

154 WinTEr 2012/2013

Springloaded

March 27 - April 14 Heavenly’s spring festival, features music,

parties, pond skimming rail jams, concerts and the Gunbarrel 25.

Visit www.skiheavenly.com for information.

Hot Pick


TAHOE magazine 155

20% OFFANY WEB SERVICEOR PHOTO SESSIONO F F E R VA L I D T I L L 4.30.13

fexstudios.com | 775-224-1845

web design • vfx • photographymotion graphics • business identity

March March 9-10 Women’s Camp A weekend camp in an all

female learning environment designed to improve on-hill skill

and confidence for women ages 18 and over of any skiing or

snowboarding ability. One day camp packages available at Sierra-

at-Tahoe Resort, 1111 Sierra-at-Tahoe Road, Twin Bridges. For

information, visit www.sierraattahoe.com/womenscamps or call

530-659-7453, ext. 284.

March 23 College Shred Fest, Enjoy Spring break on the

snow with discounted lift tickets, contests, drink specials and plenty

of snow bunny spotting at Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, 1111 Sierra-at-

Tahoe Road, Twin Bridges. For information, call 530-659-7475 or

visit www.sierraattahoe.com.

USSA Freestyle National Championships

March 27 - 31 Kirkwood will play host to the lone

USA stop for the new Swatch Freeride World Tour by

The North Face, which combines the Freeride World

Tour, the Freeskiing World Tour and The North Face

Masters of Snowboarding to create one unified global

championship series. Kirkwood Mountain Resort, 1501

Kirkwood Meadows Drive. For information, visit www.

winter.kirkwood.com.

Hot Pick

156 WinTEr 2012/2013

10th Annual Gunbarrel 25

April 6 10th Annual Gunbarrel 25, Ski legend

Glen Plake challenges participants to ski or ride the

famous moguls of Gunbarrel 25 consecutive times.

Gunbarrel Run at Heavenly Mountain Resort, 1-800-

HEAVENLY or www.skiheavenly.com.

Hot Pick

AprilApril 1 Banff Film Festival World Tour, The Banff

Film Festival World Tour returns to MontBleu and Lake Tahoe

and features a wide variety of films and clips from the Banff

Festival. Each stop on the world tour is different and showcases

films that reflect the interests of the local audience including

exploration and adventure, culture and environment and

mountain sports. Tickets are available at the MontBleu Box

Office. MontBleu Theatre, 55 Highway 50, Lake Tahoe, Nev.,

1-888-829-7630 or www.montbleuresort.com.

April 6 Billabong Flaunt it Finals, The Final stop on

the Billabong Flaunt it tour where girls will flaunt their skills

in a slopestyle and rail jam to walk away with some serious

prizes in tow at Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, 1111 Sierra-at-Tahoe

Road, Twin Bridges. For information, call 530-659-7475 or visit

www.billabong.com/flauntit.

April 6-7 Twisted Sisters, Freeride competition that tests

riders’ skills in steep terrain and on manmade features at Kirk-

wood Mountain Resort, 1501 Kirkwood Meadows Drive. For

information, visit www.winter.kirkwood.com.

April 13-14 Kirkwood Banked Slalom, Winds through

Snowsnake Gully, open to skiers, snowboarders and snows-

katers ages 5 and older at Kirkwood Mountain Resort, 1501

Kirkwood Meadows Drive. For information, visit www.winter.

kirkwood.com.

April 14 Ski Patrol Foundation Concert, The Heavenly

Ski Patrol throws a “thank you” party for the community with

drink specials, great food, raffle prizes and outdoor concerts.

The rooftop of the Heavenly Village parking garage in South

Lake Tahoe, 1-800-HEAVENLY or www.skiheavenly.com.

April 20 Sierra Nevada Celebration Days, An end-

of-season event with live music at Kirkwood Mountain Resort,

1501 Kirkwood Meadows Drive. For information, visit www.

winter.kirkwood.com. ◆

TAHOE magazine 157

10th AnnualTelegrassFestival

April 7 Celebrate spring

with live Bluegrass music,

telemark clinics and equip-

ment demos and beer tasting

at Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort,

1111 Sierra-at-Tahoe Road,

Twin Bridges. For informa-

tion, call 530-659-7475 or

visit www.sierraattahoe.com.

www.cityofslt.usYear Round Facilities: Recreation & Swim Complex 530.542.6056 • Senior Center 530.542.6094

Seasonal Recreation: Campground by the Lake 530.542.6096 • Bijou Golf Course 530.542.6097

Explore Tahoe:An Urban Trailhead Visitor Center

530.542.4637 • 4114 Lake Tahoe Blvd.Located in the Heavenly Village next to North Face

Celebrate Winter Trails Day:January 12, 2013

Guided snowshoe hike location TBA

Kid’s Night Out:• New Year’s Eve Party! 12/31/12 (Overnight Optional)

• Valentine’s Day Thursday 2/14/13• April Fun Friday 4/26/13

Pre-registration required - 530-542-6056

Recreation & Swim Complex:Year-round pool, weight room, multi-purpose gym, BBQ, outdoor playground, sand volleyball court,

meeting & party room rentals, snack bar & swim shop530.542.6056 • 1180 Rufus Allen Blvd.

Located next to the Ice Arena

South Lake Tahoe Senior Center:State-of-the-art facility with meeting rooms and programs.

Monthly activity calendar and lunch menu. Information for senior services referrals.530.542.6094 • 3050 Lake Tahoe Blvd.

“Creating Community...through people, parks, and programs”

Hot Pick

158 WinTEr 2012/2013

There’s a new hotel in Lake Tahoe. Basecamp Hotel caters to recreational enthusiasts by bringing elements of the outdoors inside.

The hotel has 50 rooms and caters to guests who love the outdoors by featuring racks for mountain and lake gear as well as fire pits with s’mores kits. It offers rooms suitable for families, bunks for single travelers and suites for those who like to live large.

u N I Q u E l o d G I N G

camping in style

Basecamp has two outdoor fire pits, complete with s’mores kits for its guests. Photos: Eva Kolenko.

168 WinTEr 2012/2013

13031 RITZ-CARLTON HIGHLANDS COURT TRUCKEE, CA 96161 | MID-MOUNTAIN AT NORTHSTAR | 530-562-3000 | RITZCARLTON.COM/LAKETAHOE

Let us invite you to savor award-winning cuisine at 7,200 feet.

Let us prepare an unforgettable meal that inspires, tantalizes and satisfies.

Let us pair the perfect wines to complement your tasting menu.

Let us turn a dining experience into a lasting memory.

James Beard Award-winning Chef Traci Des Jardins has created a menu ofFrench-inspired California cuisine with a regional mountain resort influence.Manzanita features seasonal, organic, sustainable and locally grown meatand produce when possible reflecting the region’s rich offerings.Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

THE CHEF’S TABLE

In this intimate culinary journey, up to eight guests will enjoy a tasting menu at a private table adjacent to the exposition kitchen and personal interaction with the Chef de Cuisine. From $75 per person. $500 table minimum applies. For reservations, please call 530-562-3050 or visit ritzcarlton.com/laketahoe.

Let us reinvent the meaning of a time-out.

Let us pamper you in our relaxing mountain-top retreat.

Let us take away daily stresses and replace them with lasting delights.

Let us be the treasured place you return to, simply by closing your eyes.

Escape to our forest sanctuary where nature abounds, bringing water and the woods into balance and harmony through modern, results-oriented treatments. Relax in our heated co-ed Spa lap pool overlooking the slopes. Unwind by a cozy fireplace in your private restoration lounge. Step into the dry-heat-lodge to detoxify. Re-energize in the pinyon pine steam room. Whatever your pleasure, your high-altitude journey of restoration and relaxation awaits.

COZY CABIN COUPLE’S MASSAGE

Enjoy a couple’s massage in a romantically illuminated spa suite where you will feel as though you have escaped to a cozy cabin in the woods.$185 per person–50 minutes or $265 per person–80 minutes. For reservations, call 530-562-3030 or visit ritzcarlton.com/laketahoe.

1862 David Walley’s Hot Springs Resort ................159Alpine County Chamber of Commerce ....................36 Alpine Mini Storage ..............................................143Ann Nichols & Co. ................................................143Aramark Cruises/Tahoe Queen & M.S. Dixie ............33Austin’s Restaurant ..............................................108Backstreet Framers .................................................68Barifot/Baricolor ...................................................102Barton Health .........................................................92Bella Lago Aesthetics ..............................................27Bite ......................................................................111Blue Coyote Bar & Grill .........................................113Bluestone Jewlery ...................................................23Boathouse on the Pier ..........................................113Bowl Incline ...........................................................92Buckingham Properties ...........................................21Burger Me! ..........................................................115Burton Creek veterinary Clinic ..............................102Cakes by Grace ....................................................121Cal Neva Resort, Spa & Casino ...............................13California State Parks .............................................97Camp Richardson Resort ..........................................3Cedar House Sport Hotel ..........................................4Chapel of the Bells ...............................................101Chart House ...........................................................17Chase International (Incline village/Tahoe City) .......41Chase International (South Lake Tahoe) ..................91China Wok ...........................................................108Cobblestone Center ........................................22 & 23Coldwell Banker Select Real Estate .........................10Constellation Residences at Northstar .....................69Cottonwood Restaurant .......................................113Crosby’s ...............................................................108Diamond Peak ........................................................62Edgewood Tahoe ...................................... (South) 164Elk Grove Subaru....................................................15Eskaton village Placerville ....................................149Fantasy Inn Weddings ...............................................8FEx Photography ..................................................155Firesign Cafe ..........................................................97Fresh Ketch Restaurant .............................................3Gallery Keoki ........................................................135Gatekeeper’s Museum ..........................................102Gateway urgent Care .............................................95Glow ......................................................................76Granite Chief Ski & Mountain Shop.........................71Granlibakken ........................................................102Gravity Shop ..........................................................23Hartnett, Marynell ..................................................97Harrahs-Harveys ...................................................127Heavenly Resort .......................................................5Heavenly Sports .....................................................12Hemig & Erle - Dickson Realty .................. (North) 163

Himmel Haus .......................................................109Homewood ..........................................................119Hyatt Regency ........................................................40Incline At Tahoe Realty..........................................133Incline Car Wash ....................................................68Incline vacation Rentals ..........................................93IvGID Recreation Center .........................................62JAx Diner .............................................................113Kalifornia Jean Bar .................................................23Kunst Wood Furniture .............................................22Lake of the Sky Outfitters........................................36Lake Tahoe Holidays Gift Store ................................77Lake Tahoe Lockshop ..............................................76Lake Tahoe School ................................................139Lake Tahoe Snowmobiling ......................................37Lake Tahoe Specialty Stove & Fireplace ....................70Lake valley Properties .............................................92Lakeshore Realty ..............................................6 & 20Lakeside Inn & Casino ............................................93Lakeside Pizza & Sports Bar ..................................111 Lampe Real Estate ..................................................20Lather & Fizz ..................................................95 & 22MacDuff’s Pub ........................................................17 Mary’s Draperies ..................................................151McKinney & Associates Real Estate .......................151McKinney & Associates Rentals ...............................77McKinney & Associates 3 Sisters .............................92Montbleu - Opal ultra Lounge .............................129Montbleu Resort, Casino & Spa .................... (South) 2Mt. Rose ................................................................68Mountain Hardware & Sports .................................79Mountain Home Center ................................ (North) 2Mountain Postal Pack & Ship ..................................78North Lake Tahoe Historical Society .......................102North Tahoe Business Association .........................133North Tahoe SnowFest! ..........................................36Northstar-at-Tahoe .................................................21Obexer’s General Store & Deli .................................97Overland Meat, Seafood & Deli .............................110Pablo’s Custom Framing & Gallery ..........................22Paco’s Bike & Ski Shop............................................60Paola’s Creations ....................................................93Paradise Timeshare Resale ......................................37Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation .....................78Powder House Ski & Snowboard ...........................123Ready 2 Heal ........................................................137Reno Tahoe Rustic Decor ......................................162The Ridge Tahoe .....................................................60The Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe ..................... (North) 164Rookie’s ...............................................................121Ruffles & Ruffnecks ................................................23Sassafras ..............................................................103Scraps Dog Bakery ................................................103

Scusa Italian Ristorante ........................................109Sears Authorized Store .........................................137Shoreline of Tahoe ................................................. 79Sidestreet Boutique ..................................................9Sierra At Tahoe .......................................................61Sierra Hot Springs Resort & Retreat Center ..............77Sierra Mountain Sports ...........................................87Sierra Sports Care & Chiropractic ............................22Sierra verde Group .................................................71 Smith, Michael John ...............................................36Sno-Flake Drive-In, Inc. ...........................................68Sorensen’s Resort ...................................................70Steinway Piano Gallery ...........................................11Soule Domain.......................................................121South Lake Tahoe Community Services ..................157Squaw valley & Alpine Meadows ..............................7Sugar Bowl ............................................................20Sugar Pine Gifts ...................................................133Sport Haus .............................................................31Suddenlink ...........................................................101Survival Straps ......................................................159Svadhyaya yoga Studio ...........................................68T’s Mesquite Rotisserie .........................................115Tahoe Center for Orthopedics .................................92Tahoe City Downtown Association ..............102 & 103Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area .................................60Tahoe Dave’s Skis & Boards ....................................71Tahoe Deliver .......................................................110Tahoe Donner Association ......................................61Tahoe Mountain Brewing Company ........................22Tahoe Real Estate Group ........................................97Tahoe Rug Studio ...................................................23Tahoe urgent Care & Medical Clinic ........................76Tahoe youth Ballet..................................................22Tahoma Lodge .......................................................97Taqueria La Mexicana ..........................................111Terry Lee Wells Discovery Museum ........................139The Store .............................................................103The Treat Box Bakery ............................................110The Treehouse ........................................................93TNT TMA Ski Shuttle .............................................110TNT TMA North Lake Tahoe Express ........................76TNT TMA Night Rider .............................................95Truckee Downtown Merchants Association ..............26uncorked Wine Bar .................................................23vacation Resorts International ................................78village Center ........................................ (South) 163village Ski Loft .......................................................76Dr. Charles virden ...................................................27Dr. John Walsh D.C..................................................22West Shore Association ..........................................97West Shore Sports ..................................................97Willard’s Sports Shop ............................................103

160 WinTEr 2012/2013

d I R E c T o R y o f A d v E R T I s E R s

pARTING shoT

Kamalani Flagg is all smiles after a fun day of skiing at Squaw valley last April. Photo: Keoki Flagg

Springtimesmiles

TAHOE magazine 161

162 WinTEr 2012/2013

TAHOE magazine 163

Village Center

At Highway 50 & Heavenly Village Way

We have it all!Top Brands, Unique Shoppes

ApparelAdoreHot Cha ChaSavvySidestreet BoutiqueSidestreet Formal WearSidestreet KidsSidestreet Leathers & FursTop Drawer

Art GalleriesArtifactsJon Paul GalleryMarcus Ashley GallerySun Art GalleryUntamed ArtWyland Galleries

EateriesBaja FreshBlue Dog PizzaJamba Juice Raley’s DeliStarbucksSubway

ServicesBike Rentals - Sports Ltd.Buckingham Vacation PropertiesCentury 21Elevated FitnessImagine SalonRaley’s PharmacyRaley’s SuperstoreRio Nails & Spa Wells Fargo Bank

Specialty ShoppesAlpaca Exotic ImportsBeads ETC.Dog.Dog.Cat.Lake Tahoe Holidays Made In Lake Tahoe, USA Simpson’s JewelersSports, Ltd.Tahoe Trading Post True Value Hardware

164 WinTEr 2012/2013

166 WinTEr 2012/2013

BRING WARMTH AND COMFORT TO YOUR MOUNTAIN HOME

MOUNTAINHOMECENTER.COM

11403 brockway rd.Truckee • 530.587.6681 • 1.800.517.6262

10115 donner pass rd.(in the historic loading dock building)

truckee • 530.550.8800

call or visit us today

Stoves Fireplaces Spas Outdoor Furnishings & Decor

Purchase OneHome Accessory

Item and Receive a20% DiscountCannot be combined

with any other offer and excludes

closeout items

20% OFFCLIP AND SAVE

OFFER EXPIRES

3/31/2013

Visitour Second Location

in Historic Downtown Truckee featuring

Seasonal Decor, Home Accessories, Lamps,

Rugs, Linensand More!

TAHOE magazine 167

168 WinTEr 2012/2013

13031 RITZ-CARLTON HIGHLANDS COURT TRUCKEE, CA 96161 | MID-MOUNTAIN AT NORTHSTAR | 530-562-3000 | RITZCARLTON.COM/LAKETAHOE

Let us invite you to savor award-winning cuisine at 7,200 feet.

Let us prepare an unforgettable meal that inspires, tantalizes and satisfies.

Let us pair the perfect wines to complement your tasting menu.

Let us turn a dining experience into a lasting memory.

James Beard Award-winning Chef Traci Des Jardins has created a menu ofFrench-inspired California cuisine with a regional mountain resort influence.Manzanita features seasonal, organic, sustainable and locally grown meatand produce when possible reflecting the region’s rich offerings.Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

THE CHEF’S TABLE

In this intimate culinary journey, up to eight guests will enjoy a tasting menu at a private table adjacent to the exposition kitchen and personal interaction with the Chef de Cuisine. From $75 per person. $500 table minimum applies. For reservations, please call 530-562-3050 or visit ritzcarlton.com/laketahoe.

Let us reinvent the meaning of a time-out.

Let us pamper you in our relaxing mountain-top retreat.

Let us take away daily stresses and replace them with lasting delights.

Let us be the treasured place you return to, simply by closing your eyes.

Escape to our forest sanctuary where nature abounds, bringing water and the woods into balance and harmony through modern, results-oriented treatments. Relax in our heated co-ed Spa lap pool overlooking the slopes. Unwind by a cozy fireplace in your private restoration lounge. Step into the dry-heat-lodge to detoxify. Re-energize in the pinyon pine steam room. Whatever your pleasure, your high-altitude journey of restoration and relaxation awaits.

COZY CABIN COUPLE’S MASSAGE

Enjoy a couple’s massage in a romantically illuminated spa suite where you will feel as though you have escaped to a cozy cabin in the woods.$185 per person–50 minutes or $265 per person–80 minutes. For reservations, call 530-562-3030 or visit ritzcarlton.com/laketahoe.

tahoe magazine 2012-13

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